Best Ever Beef Stew

Nothing warms the soul like a hearty bowl of beef stew. This recipe for Best Ever Beef Stew is hearty, savory, and ideal for a nice dinner. With delicate beef chunks, robust vegetables, and a delicious broth, this stew will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s get started.

Ingredients:

1. 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes.
2. 3 tablespoons olive oil.
3. 1 big, chopped onion
4. 3 garlic cloves, minced
5. 4 cups beef broth.
6. 1 cup red wine (optional; substitute with more broth if preferred)
7. Three medium carrots, cut
8. 3 medium, cubed potatoes
9. 2 celery stalks, cut
10. 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
11. 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
12. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
13. Two bay leaves.
14. Add salt and pepper to taste.
15. 1 cup frozen peas (optional for extra color and flavor)
16. Fresh parsley, chopped (to garnish)

Instructions:

Step One: Brown the beef.

• In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium-high.
• Season the meat cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides for approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables.

• In the same pot, combine the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and simmer for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Stew

• Return the brown beef to the pot. Combine the tomato paste, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for more flavor.
• Add the sliced carrots, chopped potatoes, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to mix.

Step 4: Simmer the stew.

• Bring the stew to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Cover the saucepan and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is cooked and the flavors have mingled. Stir occasionally and check the consistency; if it’s too thick, add a little more broth/water.

Step 5: Add Peas and Serve.

• If using, add the frozen peas in the final 10 minutes of cooking. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary.
• After the beef is cooked and the stew is tasty, remove the bay leaves before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and enjoy!

• Ladle the beef stew into dishes and top with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or over rice to complete the meal.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on eight servings):

• Calories: 350.
• Protein: 30 grams.
• Carbs: 30g
• Dietary fiber: 4 grams
• Sugars: 3 grams.
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5 grams
• Cholesterol: 80 mg.
• Sodium: 600 mg.

This Best Ever Beef Stew is not only warm and tasty, but also ideal for meal planning. It tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dish to savor all week. Warm up with a bowl of this hearty stew and enjoy every bite! Enjoy!