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

Prepare the Beef:

Begin by seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the meat on all sides until it's browned. This step adds a rich flavor to the stew. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Combine Ingredients:

Return the browned beef to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the beef or chicken broth, ensuring to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the flavors.
Add the diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer the Stew:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally.
Add the Vegetables:

After the beef is tender, add the chopped potatoes, green beans, frozen corn, and frozen peas to the pot. Stir to combine.
Continue to simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Finish and Serve:

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a burst of freshness.

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.