Hearty Beef Stew: A Comforting Winter Classic

Introduction:

There's something deeply satisfying about a bowl of rich, savory beef stew on a chilly evening. This classic dish brings together tender chunks of beef, earthy vegetables, and aromatic herbs, simmered together to create a comforting meal that warms both body and soul. Whether you're looking for a hearty dinner to share with family or a make-ahead dish for busy weekdays, this beef stew recipe is a timeless favorite. Let's dive into the steps for creating this delicious and nourishing meal.

Ingredients:

2 pounds stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups beef broth

1 cup red wine (optional)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the beef cubes in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Return the browned beef cubes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the stew gently simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.

If using frozen peas, add them to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Remove the bay leaves from the pot.

Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Keywords:

Beef stew, comfort food, winter recipe, one-pot meal, hearty dinner, slow-cooked, savory broth, beef and vegetables, family meal, classic recipe, Dutch oven cooking.

Hashtags:

#beefstew #comfortfood #winterrecipes #heartydinner #onepotmeal #slowcookerrecipe #homemade #familymeal #homecooking #foodie