Beef stew is a classic comfort food that can warm your heart and soul on a cold winter day. This hearty dish is a perfect blend of tender beef, savory vegetables, and rich beef broth, cooked low and slow to develop deep flavors and create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How To Make:
To make the best ever hearty beef stew, start with a high-quality cut of beef, such as chuck or round, that has plenty of marbling and connective tissue to keep the lengthy cooking method rendered the meat moist and tender. Salt and pepper the beef after cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
Next, heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until softened and slightly browned. Cook for another minute while tossing in the minced garlic.
Return the beef to the pot and add enough beef broth to cover the meat. Add a bay leaf and a sprig of thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer for at least two hours, or until the beef is soft and the broth is flavorful and has thickened.
For added depth of flavor, you can also add potatoes, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the stew during the last half hour of cooking. Adjust the seasoning as necessary and serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped scallions.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Choose the right cut of beef: For a hearty stew, choose a tougher cut of beef like chuck, brisket, or round roast, as they will become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly in the stew.
Brown the beef: Browning the beef before adding it to the stew will create a flavorful crust and seal in the juices.
Use aromatics: Onion, garlic, and herbs like thyme and rosemary add depth of flavor to the stew.
Add vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and celery are classic vegetables for beef stew. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, turnips, or butternut squash.
Use a thickening agent: To create a thicker stew, you can add flour, cornstarch, or tomato paste. Be sure to whisk the thickening agent into a slurry before adding it to the stew.
Cook low and slow: Slow cooking is the key to tender and flavorful beef stew. Cook it on low heat for several hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
Variations:
Add beer or wine: Adding beer or red wine to the stew can add depth of flavor and complexity.
Go spicy: Add chili powder or diced jalapeno peppers to give the stew a spicy kick.
Make it creamy: Add heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a rich and creamy stew.
Use different types of meat: Try using lamb or venison instead of beef for a twist on traditional beef stew.
Make it international: Add flavors from different cultures, like Indian spices, Moroccan harissa, or Italian herbs.
Use different types of broth: Try using beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth to change up the flavor of the stew.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a big pot or Dutch oven.
Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, for about 5 minutes. The steak should be taken out and placed on a plate.
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are softened.
Add the beef broth, water, carrots, celery, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
Simmer the mixture, then turn the heat down to low and shut the lid.
Cook the stew on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
If you want a thicker stew, whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water until smooth, then add it to the pot and stir until the stew thickens.
Add salt and pepper to taste when preparing the stew.
Serve hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
Note: You can add other vegetables or herbs to the stew according to your preference, and adjust the cooking time as necessary.