Description

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty beef stew to warm you up on a cold day. This classic beef stew combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of vegetables and rich, flavorful broth, creating a meal that's both satisfying and comforting. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe brings together a blend of savory spices and fresh ingredients to deliver a stew that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. The blend of vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, coupled with tender beef, creates a stew with layers of flavor that develop as it simmers. This recipe is designed to be easy to prepare, making it a go-to for any time you crave a classic, home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
• 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 3/4 cups chopped yellow onion (1 large)
• 1 1/4 cups peeled and chopped carrots (3 medium)
• 1 cup chopped celery (3 medium)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 8 cups low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth
• 2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 lb red or yellow potatoes, chopped into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups (5 oz.) chopped green beans (trim ends first)
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Method

1. Season beef with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
3. Sear beef in batches until browned, then remove and set aside.
4. Add remaining olive oil to the pot.
5. Cook chopped onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
7. Return beef to the pot and add broth, scraping the bottom.
8. Add diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and thyme. Stir to combine.
9. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.
10. Add chopped potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas. Stir to combine.
11. Simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
12. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
13. Stir in chopped parsley before serving.

Tips and Conclusion

Tips and Conclusion:

Tip: For a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir this mixture into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Bonus Tip: To enhance the flavor even further, consider adding a splash of red wine to the pot when you add the broth. This will deepen the rich flavors of the stew.
Conclusion: This hearty beef stew is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender beef with a variety of vegetables in a savory broth. It’s perfect for a family dinner or for making ahead and freezing for a quick meal. The combination of herbs and spices infuses the stew with a robust flavor that’s sure to please. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this classic stew, and savor the satisfaction of a home-cooked dish that's both nourishing and delicious.