Welcome to our hearty meal section! Today, we’re sharing a classic and comforting recipe for Easy Beef Stew. This dish is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warm and filling. With tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth, this beef stew is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 (2-pound) boneless beef round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3 cups chopped onion
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups beef broth, or more as needed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups chopped carrots
- 3 cups cubed Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Season and Coat: Season the beef cubes with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. In a large bowl, combine the flour and smoked paprika. Add the beef cubes and toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
- Heat Oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear Beef: Add the beef cubes in batches, searing them on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
Step 4: Deglaze and Add Liquids
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the wine is reduced by half.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, herbes de Provence, bay leaves, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
- Return Beef: Return the seared beef cubes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
- Add Carrots and Potatoes: Add the chopped carrots and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes to the pot. If needed, add more beef broth to ensure the vegetables are covered. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Peas and Fresh Herbs: Stir in the fresh peas, chopped fresh rosemary, and chopped fresh thyme. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the peas are heated through.
Step 7: Season and Serve
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful beef stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Beef Choice: Round steak is used here, but you can also use chuck roast or any stew meat for this recipe.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth.
- Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations
Spicy Beef Stew
Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Mushroom Beef Stew
Add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor.
Herb-Infused Stew
Experiment with different herbs such as bay leaves, marjoram, or basil to add different flavor profiles.
Low-Carb Version
Omit the potatoes and carrots and replace them with lower-carb vegetables such as cauliflower and green beans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, after searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
What can I serve with beef stew?
Beef stew pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple green salad.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs. Typically, you’ll need to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.
How do I reheat the stew?
Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Is it necessary to sear the beef?
Searing the beef adds depth of flavor to the stew, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still have a delicious stew.
This Easy Beef Stew is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its rich flavors and tender beef, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious stew!
