Beef Stew recipe
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
- 1 lb 450g beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 large carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine optional, can be replaced with more beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, to thicken
Instructions
- 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.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in beef broth, red wine (if using), carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- 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.
- 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
- Substitute Meat: You can use chicken for a lighter version of this stew, though the cooking time will be shorter (about 45 minutes).
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños for a spicier kick.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free broth and cornstarch to thicken the stew instead of flour.
- 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.