Hearty Beef Stew Recipe: Soul-Warming Comfort in Every Spoonful

Crafting a hearty beef stew brings pure comfort on chilly evenings when warmth matters most.

Tender chunks of meat slowly simmer with robust vegetables in a rich, savory broth.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish through patient love and careful techniques.

Rustic and satisfying, each spoonful tells a story of traditional cooking passed down through kitchens.

Herbs and spices dance together, creating layers of deep flavor that warm your soul.

Pantry staples transform into a magical meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Nothing beats a bowl of this stew when hunger calls and memories of home come flooding back.

FAQs

• What cuts of beef work best for this stew?

Chuck roast and bottom round are ideal because they’re tough, flavorful cuts that become tender when slow-cooked, breaking down their connective tissues for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Can I make this beef stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.

• Is it necessary to brown the meat before stewing?

Absolutely! Browning creates a rich, caramelized exterior that develops deep flavor through the Maillard reaction, adding complexity to your stew’s overall taste profile.

Hearty Beef Stew Insights

• Skip the Oven: Craft a delightful dessert without turning on the oven, perfect for hot days or when you want to avoid baking.
• Creamy Luxury: Indulge in a rich, velvety cheesecake with smooth white chocolate and tangy cranberry that creates a sophisticated flavor combination.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a stunning no-bake cheesecake that looks professionally made but requires minimal kitchen skills to prepare.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Combine simple ingredients in minutes, with most of the waiting time spent chilling in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredient Essentials For Beef Stew

• Beef Cubes: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the heart of this classic stew.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: A traditional mirepoix that builds a rich, deep flavor base for the stew.

• Thyme, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that add earthy and aromatic notes to the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that enhances the savory depth of the beef.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the stew's flavors.

• Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that creates the stew's comforting base.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated ingredient that adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.

• Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that provide substance and texture to the stew.
• Frozen Peas: A sweet and tender vegetable that adds a pop of color and freshness.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.

Beef Stew Cooking Procedure

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drop in beef cubes and cook until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust on all sides.

Transfer the browned beef to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Foundation

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Build Robust Flavor Layers

Stir in a dollop of tomato paste, sprinkle fresh thyme and rosemary, and splash in Worcestershire sauce.

Let everything mingle and cook for two minutes, intensifying the taste profile.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the browned beef to the pot.

• Potatoes
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. The slow cooking will transform the beef into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Step 5: Final Touch of Freshness

In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle in frozen peas. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect balance.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming, hearty beef stew into bowls and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of this classic dish.

Helpful Notes On Beef Stew Preparation

• Opt for well-marbled beef chuck for maximum tenderness and rich flavor in your stew.
• Sear meat at high temperature to lock in juices and create a delicious caramelized exterior that adds depth to the dish.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Let stew simmer slowly to break down tough meat fibers and develop complex, mouthwatering flavors.
• Consider using fresh herbs instead of dried for brighter, more vibrant taste if available in your kitchen.

Different Styles Of Beef Stew

• Rustic Ranch Style: Replace beef broth with ranch dressing and add corn kernels for a southwestern flair. Swap thyme and rosemary with chili powder and cumin for extra zest.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute beef broth with red wine, add kalamata olives, and include diced eggplant. Sprinkle oregano and fresh parsley to enhance Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Korean Kick: Mix in gochujang paste, replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce, and add ginger. Top with green onions and serve with steamed rice for a Korean-inspired version.
• Hearty Mushroom Boost: Include mixed wild mushrooms like shiitake and porcini. Replace some beef broth with mushroom stock and add a splash of sherry for deeper umami flavor.

Side Dishes To Pair With Beef Stew

• Cozy Comfort Meal Pairing
• Serve this rich beef stew alongside warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious gravy. The tangy bread perfectly complements the hearty meat and vegetables.
• Rustic Dinner Ensemble
• Create a complete meal by adding a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The fresh, zesty salad cuts through the stew's richness and provides a balanced dining experience.
• Winter Weekend Gathering
• Present the stew in a large, rustic cast-iron pot at the center of the table. Invite friends and family to serve themselves family-style, creating a warm, communal dining atmosphere that celebrates comfort food.
• One-Pot Meal Transformation
• Elevate leftovers by shredding the beef and serving over creamy mashed potatoes or stirring into buttered egg noodles.

Storing Beef Stew Correctly

• Transfer cooled beef stew into airtight containers with tight-fitting lids. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum. Store in shallow containers to help cool quickly and evenly.
• Package stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Frozen stew maintains best quality when stored at 0°F or lower.
• Thaw frozen stew in refrigerator overnight. Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of beef broth if stew seems dry. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Beef Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef stew brings comfort from Irish kitchens to dinner tables worldwide. Tender meat, root vegetables, and rich broth create a soul-warming meal you’ll savor with each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a robust cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, creating a golden sear on beef cubes until caramelized edges develop. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
2. In the identical pot, gently transform onions, carrots, and celery into translucent, tender vegetables. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for 60 seconds.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, infusing the mixture with robust herbs like thyme and rosemary. Splash Worcestershire sauce to elevate the depth of flavor, letting ingredients meld for approximately 2 minutes.
4. Reunite seared beef with vegetable foundation. Pour beef broth, nestle chopped potatoes into the liquid, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 1.5 hours, allowing meat to become fork-tender.
5. During the final 10 minutes of cooking, scatter frozen peas throughout the stew. Taste and recalibrate seasoning if necessary, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
6. Ladle the rich, hearty stew into warm bowls, presenting a comforting meal that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Notes

• Opt for chuck roast or beef stew meat with good marbling to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.
• Pat beef dry before browning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in rich flavor.
• Consider using low-sodium broth to control salt levels and prevent the stew from becoming too salty.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 324 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg