Beef Stew

This beef stew recipe is a comforting dish that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this hearty meal combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich red wine sauce. It’s not just filling; it’s packed with flavor and can easily become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty Flavor: The combination of beef, vegetables, and red wine creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, making beef stew is straightforward for any cook.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the veggies or add herbs to suit your family’s preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Beef stew tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a holiday gathering, this dish fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make your beef stew experience seamless, gather the essential tools before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for slow-cooking, ensuring even heat distribution while simmering.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and safe.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for perfect flavor balance in your beef stew.

Ingredients

This beef stew recipe features fresh ingredients that meld together beautifully.

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds cubed beef chuck or beef stewing meat (see note)
• Flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil + more as needed (divided)

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 sticks celery (chopped)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled & diced)
• 4 medium carrots (peeled & sliced fairly thick)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (see note)
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Beef Stew

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Prepare all your ingredients by chopping the vegetables. This ensures everything is ready when you start cooking.

Step 2: Dredge the Beef

Coat the cubed beef in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps to create a nice crust when searing.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
– Once hot, sear the beef cubes in two batches until nicely browned.
– Avoid crowding the pot; turn with tongs after a few minutes.
– Add more oil for the second batch if needed and transfer each batch to a plate after browning.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

If the pot seems dry, add another teaspoon of olive oil.
– Sauté chopped onions and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste.
– Cook while stirring often for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Liquids

Pour in red wine, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
– Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.

Step 7: Simmer Stew Base

Return seared beef to the pot along with any juices from the plate.
– Add Italian seasoning and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil.
– Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour while stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Add Veggies

Stir in diced potatoes and sliced carrots into the stew.
– Cover again and continue simmering for another hour or until everything is tender. Remember to stir occasionally.

Step 9: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves from the stew.
– Stir in frozen peas if using, allowing them to warm through.

Step 10: Season and Serve

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, enjoying this cozy meal!

How to Serve Beef Stew

Serving beef stew is all about enhancing its warm and hearty flavors. Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: Serve slices of crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
• Garlic Bread: For an extra flavor boost, pair it with toasted garlic bread.

Over Rice

• White Rice: A simple bed of white rice absorbs the stew’s flavors beautifully.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds nuttiness and texture.

With a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer a nice contrast to the stew.
• Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette refreshes the palate between bites.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley or Thyme: Sprinkling fresh herbs on top brightens the dish and adds freshness.

In a Bread Bowl

• Edible Bowls: Serve beef stew in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun presentation that’s also delicious.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Beef Stew

Perfecting your beef stew requires attention to detail and a few tried-and-true techniques. Follow these tips for an exceptional dish.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose well-marbled beef chuck for tenderness and flavor after cooking.
• Sear the Meat Properly: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor; don’t overcrowd the pot when searing.
• Let it Simmer Slowly: Low and slow cooking allows flavors to meld and meat to become tender; avoid rushing this step.
• Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Taste as you go; adding salt and pepper incrementally ensures balanced seasoning without overdoing it.
• Thicken with Flour or Cornstarch Slurry: For a heartier stew, mix flour or cornstarch with water and stir in during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Stew

Pairing side dishes with your beef stew can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the stew perfectly; they can absorb the savory broth well.
2. Buttered Noodles: Simple buttered egg noodles provide a soft texture that pairs nicely with the stew.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini roasted until caramelized add sweetness and crunch.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of beef stew.
5. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add color and brightness to your plate.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and cuts through the richness of the stew, refreshing each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making beef stew can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that could affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the beef before simmering can result in a less flavorful stew. Take your time to sear the meat for depth of flavor.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too much beef at once can cause it to steam instead of brown. Cook in batches for a better sear.
• Neglecting to stir: Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Don’t let the ingredients rest untouched for too long.
• Using low-quality wine: The wine you choose impacts the flavor of your stew. Select a good quality dry red wine for best results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can lead to an unbalanced dish. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Beef Stew

• Freeze beef stew in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat uncovered until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Place on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making beef stew:

What is the best cut of meat for Beef Stew?

Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender during slow cooking, adding flavor and richness.

Can I make Beef Stew without wine?

Yes, you can substitute wine with additional beef broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.

How do I thicken my Beef Stew?

You can thicken your stew by mixing cornstarch with water or by adding mashed potatoes towards the end of cooking.

How long does Beef Stew need to simmer?

Beef stew should simmer for at least 2 hours, allowing all flavors to meld together and meat to become tender.

Final Thoughts

This beef stew recipe offers a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and cozy warmth make it ideal for chilly evenings. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs!