Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Season beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then toss the beef in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides (about 5 minutes per batch). Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onions for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Deglaze with wine: If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 3: Build the Stew
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Return beef: Add the browned beef back into the pot.
- Add vegetables: Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 4: Finish the Stew
- Add peas: About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the peas.
- Check seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and serve: Remove the bay leaves, then ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips:
- Beef Choice: For the best flavor and tenderness, use chuck roast or other cuts that are suitable for slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can become tough.
- Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Slow Cooker Option: You can transfer everything to a slow cooker after browning the beef. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Conclusion:
This Best Ever Beef Stew is savory, hearty, and packed with delicious flavors. Slow cooking brings out the depth in the beef and vegetables, making this dish ideal for a comforting dinner or leftovers that taste even better the next day!