Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew
This beef stew recipe is a true winner, perfect for anyone craving a warm, hearty meal that comes together without much hassle. Its ease of preparation means you can get dinner on the table in just over an hour, making it ideal for beginners and busy folks alike who want satisfying food without spending all day in the kitchen. Beyond that, it’s packed with health benefits from rich proteins and vitamins that help you feel nourished and energized.
What really sets this beef stew apart is its versatility, letting you tweak it for different dietary needs like vegan or gluten-free options while keeping the flavors spot-on. You’ll enjoy the comforting taste that brings everyone together, turning a simple pot of ingredients into a memorable family favorite that warms you from the inside out.
Key Reasons to Try It
First off, this stew delivers a hearty dose of nutrients from fresh veggies and tender beef, supporting your wellness goals without feeling like a chore. Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up something that tastes like it simmered for hours but actually fits into your schedule. Plus, it’s easy to adapt, so whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or exploring new flavors, this recipe has you covered.
Think about how good it feels to sit down to a bowl that’s not only delicious but also flexible enough to use what you have on hand. That’s the beauty of beef stew it’s straightforward, reliable, and always hits the spot.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Beef Stew
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Beef Stew
- 5. Mastering Beef Stew: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Beef Stew: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stew
- 8. Beef Stew
Essential Ingredients for Beef Stew
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a delicious beef stew that everyone will love. This recipe focuses on simple, fresh items that build a rich and flavorful base, ensuring your meal turns out just right. Below, you’ll find a complete list of everything needed, pulled straight from proven steps to help you measure and prepare with ease.
Main Ingredients List
- 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, more as needed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- ½ cup red wine (optional)
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or as needed)
- 2 tablespoons water (or as needed)
- ¾ cup peas
These ingredients work together to create a balanced stew that’s full of texture and taste. Each one plays a key role, like how the beef and veggies add heartiness while the seasonings bring out the best flavors.
How to Prepare the Perfect Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting beef stew just right starts with simple steps that anyone can follow, turning basic ingredients into a cozy dinner. Begin by mixing the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss in the beef cubes to coat them evenly this helps build flavor from the start. Next, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches, shaking off any extra flour to avoid a mess, then set it aside for later.
Once the beef is done, cook the chopped onion in the same pot until it softens, which takes about 3 minutes and adds a nice aroma. Pour in the beef broth and optional red wine, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot to boost the flavor. Now, return the beef to the pot along with the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until the beef is tender.
To finish, mix the cornstarch with water to make a smooth slurry and stir it into the boiling stew bit by bit until it thickens up just how you like. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes to get rid of any starchy taste, then add the peas and simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Finally, taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. For more ideas on slow-cooked meals, check out our slow cooker pepper steak recipe to expand your options.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then coat the beef cubes.
- Brown the beef in olive oil over medium-high heat and set aside.
- Cook the onion until softened.
- Add beef broth and red wine, scraping the pot bottom.
- Return beef and add veggies, tomato paste, and rosemary; simmer covered.
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry and boil briefly.
- Stir in peas and adjust seasoning.
This method takes about 20 minutes to prep and 1 hour 10 minutes to cook, for a total of 1 hour 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy beef stew without fuss.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Beef Stew
Making beef stew your own is easy with a few smart swaps, especially if you have specific dietary needs. For instance, you can replace the beef with seitan, tempeh, or mushrooms to go vegan while keeping that hearty feel. If you’re aiming for something leaner, try using skinless turkey or chicken breast instead of beef to cut down on fat without losing the main appeal.
When it comes to veggies and seasonings, feel free to swap in seasonal picks like parsnips or sweet potatoes for a fresh twist. For gluten sensitivity, opt for gluten-free alternatives in thickeners, and use things like gluten-free soy sauce to keep the taste rich. These changes let you tailor the stew to fit your preferences and make every batch feel new.
Mastering Beef Stew: Advanced Tips and Variations
Taking your beef stew to the next level involves some pro techniques that make a big difference in the final dish. For example, using a Dutch oven helps with even heat, and searing the vegetables after the beef adds extra layers of flavor that you’ll notice right away. If you want to play with tastes, try tossing in herbs like bay leaves or a bit of balsamic vinegar for a nice tang.
Presentation matters too top your stew with fresh parsley or thyme and serve it in fun bowls to make it look as good as it tastes. And don’t forget, you can make this ahead of time; just store it in the fridge or freeze portions to let the flavors blend even more. For another beefy idea, give our creamy beef pasta recipe a try when you’re in the mood for something different.
Extra Flavor Ideas
- Experiment with smoked paprika or cumin for a spicy kick.
- Add a splash of vinegar for acidity.
- Garnish with herbs for a fresh finish.
How to Store Beef Stew: Best Practices
Keeping your beef stew fresh is simple with the right storage tips. Put leftovers in airtight containers and pop them in the fridge within two hours of cooking they’ll stay good for 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, let the stew cool first, then portion it into bags or containers for up to 3 months of easy meals.
When it’s time to reheat, do it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring now and then to keep everything tasty. For meal prep, divide it into single servings and label them with dates so you know what’s what.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stew
What is the best way to brown beef for stew to improve its flavor?
To get the best flavor in beef stew, brown the beef pieces in a hot pan before adding any liquid. This process, called searing, caramelizes the meat’s surface, creating deeper, richer flavors. Use a bit of oil and avoid crowding the pan so the beef browns evenly. Sear the pieces in batches if needed, then remove them before adding broth or vegetables. This step locks in savory flavor that makes the stew more delicious.
How can I thicken beef stew without changing its taste?
Beef stew naturally thickens from potato starch and meat dredging, but you can add extra thickness using a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then add it gradually to the simmering stew while stirring. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes to remove any starchy taste. Alternatively, lightly mashing some cooked vegetables in the stew can also help thicken it while keeping the natural flavors intact.
Is it safe to freeze beef stew and how should I do it?
Yes, beef stew freezes well and holds its flavor after thawing. Portion the stew into freezer-safe bags or containers and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave on defrost mode with occasional stirring. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture and flavor.
What sides go well with beef stew for a balanced meal?
Beef stew is hearty on its own but pairs well with simple sides like bread, biscuits, or cornbread to soak up the broth. Adding rice or egg noodles under the stew in the bowl adds extra carbs and texture. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the stew.
Can I use leftover vegetables in beef stew and which ones work best?
Leftover vegetables are perfect for beef stew and help reduce waste. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery hold up well during slow cooking. You can also add peas or green beans at the last few minutes of cooking since they cook quickly. Just chop vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking and add them according to their cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Beef Stew
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
🍲 Enjoy a hearty meal with this Beef Stew Recipe featuring tender meat simmered in a rich, flavorful broth.
🥕 Packed with vegetables and savory spices, this stew offers comfort and nourishment in every bite.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed
– 3 tablespoons flour
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 3 tablespoons olive oil, more as needed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 6 cups beef broth
– ½ cup red wine (optional)
– 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 3 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or as needed)
– 2 tablespoons water (or as needed)
– ¾ cup peas
Instructions
1-Mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then coat the beef cubes.
2-Brown the beef in olive oil over medium-high heat and set aside.
3-Cook the onion until softened.
4-Add beef broth and red wine, scraping the pot bottom.
5-Return beef and add veggies, tomato paste, and rosemary; simmer covered.
6-Thicken with cornstarch slurry and boil briefly.
7-Stir in peas and adjust seasoning.
Notes
🔥 Searing the beef before simmering builds a rich caramelized flavor.
🌱 Add peas in the last 5-10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
🥔 Use leftover vegetables to customize the stew based on availability.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 444 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 383 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Beef stew, Tender beef, Hearty stew, Comfort food