Hearty Beef Stew Recipe: Perfect for Cold Days

Beef stew is a beloved classic that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, perfect for cold winter evenings or when you just want to cozy up in your kitchen. This comforting dish takes minimal effort but rewards with rich flavors that make every bite deliciously satisfying. With its hearty ingredients like beef, vegetables, and aromatic spices, this stew is not only filling but also packed full of nutrients.

Preparation time: About 30 minutes; Cooking time: Approximately 1 to 2 hours; Servings: 6 generous portions

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 lbs (about 1.8 kg) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil for sautéing
• 3 large onions, chopped finely
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 4 cups beef broth or stock (low sodium if you prefer)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red wine, additional garlic, or a pinch of allspice for extra flavor

How to Make Hearty Beef Stew

Start by preparing your ingredients. Pat the beef dry with paper towels; this helps ensure that it browns properly when you add it to the pan.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you prefer a slow-cooked stew, you can use a Dutch oven or a deep casserole dish for this method. Place your beef pieces in the pot along with about half of the chopped onions.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil and let it get hot. Add the remaining onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent them from burning.
3. Add the garlic cloves right after the onions have softened slightly. Sauté for another minute or so before incorporating the beef into this mixture. Season with salt and pepper as needed at this point.
4. Once all pieces of meat are evenly coated, transfer everything to your preheated oven-safe casserole dish. Roast them together until they’re browned on all sides, turning occasionally for even coloration. This process takes roughly 20 minutes if you're using an oven set at 350°F.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the remaining vegetables. If your carrots and celery are thick, slice those finely as well to ensure they cook quickly without becoming tough or rubbery during stew preparation.
6. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and optional additions like red wine if desired directly into the same dish containing the beef. Stir gently but thoroughly so that all elements combine harmoniously with one another.
7. Pour in enough beef broth to just cover everything by a few inches at this stage of cooking. Make sure not to pour too much as it could result in excessive liquid in your stew leading to watery consistency once cooked through.

Final Steps and Serving Suggestions

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil if necessary, especially during initial stages where evaporation might occur faster than cooking would progress. Let it simmer slowly in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender and falling apart when prodded gently.

Serving Suggestions

• Consider serving beef stew with crusty bread or a side of roasted root vegetables like parsnips or turnips if you wish to enhance its texture.
• You could also garnish your beef stew with fresh parsley for extra color and freshness, which adds another layer of flavor complexity.
• To add some variety, try pairing this dish alongside a simple green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette. The contrast between the savory richness of the stew and the lightness of the greens creates an appealing balance suitable for both casual dinners or formal gatherings alike.

Beef Stew is versatile enough to suit various dietary needs too; if you're watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium broth instead of regular beef stock. For those who prefer a bit more heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes towards the end of cooking rather than at the beginning.

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p>The aroma alone from this dish will make it difficult to resist! Its rich flavor profile makes each spoonful feel like a small meal within itself - an ideal solution for those nights when you don't want to do much work but still crave something substantial and delicious. Enjoy your homemade Beef Stew!