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Easy Beef Stew Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

This easy beef stew is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a cozy family meal. Tender cubes of beef are browned and simmered slowly with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and rich broth to create a flavorful, satisfying stew. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this classic beef stew is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

Beef and Coating

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1 ½ pounds Yukon potatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 6 carrots (chopped)
  • 3 celery sticks (chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 bay leaves

Liquids and Garnish

  • 4 cups vegetable or beef broth
  • Fresh parsley for serving

Instructions

  1. Coat the beef: Place the beef stew meat in a large bowl and add the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Toss the mixture well to ensure each beef cube is evenly coated. This helps create a flavorful crust and thickens the stew later.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium heat. Add half of the coated beef in a single layer without overcrowding and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a brown crust. Flip the beef cubes and cook for an additional 5 minutes on the other side. Transfer browned beef to a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining olive oil and beef cubes. Return all browned beef back to the pot.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook together, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. This builds the flavor base for the stew.
  4. Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes while mixing it with the onions and garlic. This step intensifies the stew's rich flavor and adds depth to the broth.
  5. Add vegetables and herbs: Incorporate the cubed potatoes, chopped carrots, chopped celery, dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaves, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Pour in the vegetable or beef broth and stir everything to combine well, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor.
  6. Simmer the stew: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow the stew to simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Cook until the beef is very tender and the flavors meld together perfectly.
  7. Final touches and serving: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the stew and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a thicker stew, you can mix an additional tablespoon of flour with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the final 10 minutes of simmering.
  • Using a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution and better browning of the meat.
  • The stew can be made a day ahead; flavors will deepen after resting overnight in the fridge.
  • Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor or for a less rich option.
  • If preferred, add a splash of red wine after browning the beef to enhance the depth of flavor.
  • Adjust salt and herbs to taste before serving.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/easy-beef-stew-recipe/