Beef Stew Recipe with Tender Meat and Rich Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew

Beef stew is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any table, especially on chilly evenings. Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy schedules, with straightforward steps that fit right into your routine. You’ll appreciate how this hearty dish packs in health benefits from fresh veggies and lean protein, making it a nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.

One of the best parts is its versatility, allowing you to tweak it for different dietary preferences while keeping that rich, satisfying taste. Imagine coming home to a pot of beef stew bubbling away, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas that make everyone gather around. Whether you’re a home cook looking for simple meals or a busy parent needing something quick, this recipe delivers memorable flavors that stand out.

Beyond its simplicity, beef stew offers a distinctive flavor profile from tender meat and aromatic herbs that meld together perfectly. It’s adaptable for various needs, like swapping ingredients for a gluten-free version, ensuring everyone can enjoy it. With just a bit of prep, you’ll create a dish that not only nourishes but also brings joy to your family meals.

Essential Ingredients for Beef Stew

To make this beef stew, gather these key ingredients that form the foundation of its hearty flavor. Each one plays a vital role in creating a balanced and delicious meal. Below is a complete list of everything you’ll need, formatted for easy reference.

• 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
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or as needed)
• 2 tablespoons water (or as needed)
• ¾ cup peas

This list covers all the essentials, ensuring you have exactly what’s needed for a successful stew. For special dietary options, consider simple swaps like using vegetable broth for a vegan twist or checking that your broth is gluten-free to accommodate restrictions.

How to Prepare the Perfect Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with beef stew begins with preparing your ingredients, which sets the stage for a smooth cooking process. First, cut the beef into chunks, slice the carrots, chop the celery and onions, and measure out the herbs and spices. This step helps everything come together easily, so you can focus on the fun of cooking.

Next, brown the beef in a large pot over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until it’s seared on all sides, building that deep flavor you love. If you’re watching fat intake, try using a light oil spray instead. Then, remove the beef and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot for around 5 minutes to let them soften and soak up those tasty bits left behind.

Add the garlic and tomato paste next, cooking for another 2 minutes to bring out their aroma. Now, return the beef to the pot along with the beef broth, herbs, and seasonings, then bring it to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer. Cover and let it cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef turns tender if you’re using a vegan substitute like seitan, shorten the time to about 45 minutes.

Finally, adjust the seasoning, remove any bay leaves if used, and stir in fresh touches like parsley before serving. For added inspiration, check out this creamy beef pasta recipe on our site for more ways to enjoy beef dishes. Remember, the key is patience, as the flavors deepen over time for a truly comforting meal.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Beef Stew

Making beef stew your own is simple with a few smart swaps that keep the dish delicious and adaptable. Start with protein options, where you can replace beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegan version that still packs flavor. If you prefer leaner meats, turkey breast or chicken thighs work well and help cut down on calories without losing heartiness.

For vegetable and seasoning tweaks, try swapping carrots for parsnips to add a new twist based on what’s in season. If gluten is a concern, use coconut aminos in place of traditional soy-based flavors and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free. These changes let you experiment while maintaining the stew’s core appeal, making it perfect for different tastes and needs.

Adjusting herbs like adding rosemary or sage can brighten the flavors, and using roasted red pepper puree instead of tomato paste offers a milder, sweeter note. Whether you’re cooking for dietary reasons or just variety, these substitutions ensure your beef stew remains a go-to favorite that everyone can enjoy.

Mastering Beef Stew: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your beef stew to the next level, focus on pro cooking techniques that enhance tenderness and taste. For instance, marinate the beef in red wine and herbs overnight to make it extra juicy then use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat. Don’t forget to deglaze the pot after browning to capture all those flavorful bits, turning a simple stew into something special.

Flavor variations can add excitement, like mixing in smoked paprika for a smoky edge or swapping in root vegetables such as parsnips. If you’re looking for more ideas, explore this slow cooker pepper steak recipe for a similar hearty option. Presentation matters too; serve your stew in cozy bowls topped with fresh herbs and pair it with crusty bread for a complete, inviting meal.

Make-ahead options are a game-changer for busy days, as the flavors improve when prepared in advance. Store it in the fridge overnight or freeze portions for quick future meals, ensuring you always have a comforting dish ready. With these tips, you’ll master beef stew and make it a staple in your kitchen routine.

Nutritional Highlights

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving, presented in a table for easy reference:

These values highlight why beef stew is a wholesome choice, packed with vitamins and minerals to support your daily needs.

How to Store Beef Stew: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your beef stew fresh and safe for later enjoyment. Cool it down first, then place it in airtight containers and pop it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This method helps maintain its flavors and texture without much effort.

For longer keeping, freezing is a great option divide it into meal-sized portions in sealed bags or containers, where it can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring as you go. Remember, good storage practices make meal prep easier and reduce waste, so you can enjoy homemade goodness anytime.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stew

Beef Stew

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free option possible

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Description

🥩 This beef stew recipe offers tender meat and a rich, hearty flavor perfect for warming meals.
🍲 Enjoy a comforting dish loaded with vegetables and a thick, savory broth that’s great for any occasion.

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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

– 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or as needed)

– 2 tablespoons water (or as needed)

– ¾ cup peas

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Instructions

1-Getting started with beef stew: begins with preparing your ingredients, which sets the stage for a smooth cooking process. First, cut the beef into chunks, slice the carrots, chop the celery and onions, and measure out the herbs and spices. This step helps everything come together easily, so you can focus on the fun of cooking.

2-Next: brown the beef in a large pot over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until it’s seared on all sides, building that deep flavor you love. If you’re watching fat intake, try using a light oil spray instead. Then, remove the beef and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot for around 5 minutes to let them soften and soak up those tasty bits left behind.

3-Add the garlic and tomato paste next: cooking for another 2 minutes to bring out their aroma. Now, return the beef to the pot along with the beef broth, herbs, and seasonings, then bring it to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer. Cover and let it cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef turns tender if you’re using a vegan substitute like seitan, shorten the time to about 45 minutes.

4-Finally: adjust the seasoning, remove any bay leaves if used, and stir in fresh touches like parsley before serving. For added inspiration, check out this creamy beef pasta recipe on our site for more ways to enjoy beef dishes. Remember, the key is patience, as the flavors deepen over time for a truly comforting meal.

Notes

🔥 Sear beef before adding broth to enhance caramelization and deepen flavor.
🌿 Add peas toward the end of cooking to maintain their texture and color.
🥕 Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like parsnips or turnips for variety.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Stew, Main Dish
• Method: Searing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
• 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 stew,rich beef stew,hearty stew