Best Ever Beef Stew

Here’s a recipe for a rich and hearty beef stew that is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. This recipe combines tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth for a comforting meal.

Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, you can use more beef broth instead)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
   • Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Beef:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear until all sides are browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
   • Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
   • Pour in the red wine (or additional beef broth) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Return the beef to the pot.
   • Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery.
   • Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
   • Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
6. Simmer:
   • Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.
7. Thicken the Stew:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a bit of cold water to make a slurry.
   • Stir the slurry into the stew and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the stew has thickened.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaves before serving.
   • Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
10. Enjoy:
    • Serve the beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.

This beef stew is even better the next day as the flavors meld together, so consider making it ahead of time for an easy and delicious meal later in the week.