Description
Beef Stew is a classic hearty dish made with tender beef chunks, potatoes, and vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. This easy homemade beef stew recipe is perfect for cozy meals and delivers deep, comforting flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches until well seared. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly to enhance flavor.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir well to coat the mixture.
- Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Return beef to the pot and add bay leaves and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1–1.5 hours.
- Add potatoes and carrots, then continue simmering for 30–40 minutes until tender.
- Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaves, and serve hot.
Notes
Brown the beef well for deeper flavor.For richer taste, add a splash of red wine with the broth.Add peas, green beans, or mushrooms for variation.Mash a few potatoes to naturally thicken the stew.Can be made in a slow cooker (low 6–8 hours or high 3–4 hours).Tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
