Ever Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Season the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in Flour: Dredge the beef cubes in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps to thicken the stew later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the beef cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown all sides of the beef cubes, then transfer them to a plate. This may take several batches.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Deglaze: If using red wine, pour it into the pot now to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

1. Add the Beef and Broth: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is starting to become tender.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

1. Add Carrots, Celery, and Potatoes: Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
2. Continue to Simmer: Cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables and beef are tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Add Peas: Add the thawed peas to the stew and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
2. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
3. Remove Bay Leaves: Don’t forget to remove and discard the bay leaves before serving.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Beef Stew

• Choosing Beef: Beef chuck is ideal for stewing as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.
• Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew. Bring to a simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
• Wine Selection: A dry red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot adds depth to the stew. However, it’s optional, and beef broth can be used for a non-alcoholic version.

Enjoy your homemade beef stew, a hearty meal that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day!