Description
Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty dish is filled with tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that simmers for hours to perfection. The slow-cooked beef absorbs all the rich flavors, making it an ideal dish for cozy nights with family or friends. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make a flavorful Beef Stew in no time. It’s the perfect meal for any occasion, and it also tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for leftovers.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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4 cups beef broth
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1 cup red wine (optional, can be replaced with more beef broth)
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1 bay leaf
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
Instructions
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Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds a rich flavor to the stew.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
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Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in beef broth, red wine (if using), carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
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Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
Notes
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Substitute Meat: You can use chicken for a lighter version of this stew, though the cooking time will be shorter (about 45 minutes).
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Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños for a spicier kick.
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Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free broth and cornstarch to thicken the stew instead of flour.
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Slow Cooker Option: Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Beef Stew, Comfort Food, Hearty Recipe, Easy Beef Stew, Winter Recipes