Beef Stew Recipe: The Ultimate Guide

Beef stew is a classic dish that has been enjoyed across cultures for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when stewing was one of the earliest cooking methods used to tenderize tough cuts of meat and infuse them with rich flavors. Today, beef stew remains a beloved comfort food, offering a hearty, soul-warming meal perfect for cold weather or any time you crave something wholesome and satisfying.

This recipe guide will walk you through the process of making a mouth-watering beef stew that is both easy and rewarding. We’ll explore the importance of selecting the right cut of beef, the art of building layers of flavor with vegetables and seasonings, and the techniques that ensure your stew has the perfect consistency. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is designed to be approachable and adaptable to your preferences.

The beauty of beef stew lies in its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Traditionally, beef stew is made with chuck roast, which is known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. The meat is browned to develop a deep, caramelized flavor, then simmered with an assortment of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery. A robust broth, often enhanced with red wine or beer, ties everything together, creating a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts.

One of the key steps in making a successful beef stew is patience. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. This process not only makes the stew taste incredible but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner.

In this guide, we’ll provide detailed, step-by-step instructions to ensure your beef stew turns out perfectly every time. From preparing the ingredients to the final simmer, you’ll find tips and tricks to enhance the flavors and textures of your stew. We’ll also include variations and serving suggestions to inspire you to make this dish your own.

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the timeless appeal of beef stew. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this beef stew recipe promises to deliver a delicious and memorable meal.

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Beef Stew Recipe: The Ultimate Guide

Cooking Method: Oven, Stovetop Cuisine: American, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: Gluten Free High Protein Non Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 2 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 42 mins

Cooking Temp: 160  C Servings: 6 Calories: 350

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Our beef stew recipe is a celebration of classic comfort food, featuring tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a richly seasoned broth. This easy-to-follow guide will help you create a mouth-watering stew that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this beef stew promises to deliver a delicious and memorable meal.

Main Ingredients

Servings

• 1 kg beef chuck roast (cut into 2-inch cubes)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 grams)

• 1 large onion, chopped (150 grams)

• 3 cloves garlic (15 grams, minced)

• 4 cups beef broth (960 ml)

• 1 cup red wine (optional, 240 ml)

• 4 large carrots (sliced, 240 grams)

• 4 medium potatoes (cubed, 800 grams)

• 2 celery stalks (chopped, 120 grams)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30 grams)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (1 gram)

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (1 gram)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   Cut the beef chuck roast into 2-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper.

2. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, cube the potatoes, and chop the celery.

3. Brown the Beef:

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

4. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

5. Sauté the Vegetables:

   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.

6. Build the Broth:

   Add the tomato paste, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.

7. Pour in the red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it reduce by half.

8. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well.

9. Combine Ingredients:

   Return the browned beef to the pot.

10. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery.

11. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

12. Cook the Stew:

    Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F).

13. Cook for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

14. Final Touches:

    Remove the pot from the oven. Discard the bay leaves.

15. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

16. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 15g24%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 1000mg29%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 6g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 6000 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 80 mg

Iron 4 mg

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 20 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.4 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 5 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 250 mg

Iodine 10 mcg

Magnesium 50 mg

Zinc 6 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.3 mg

Chromium 0.5 mcg

Molybdenum 0.5 mcg

Chloride 100 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
• Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
• Add peas or green beans for additional vegetables and color.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.

Tips & Tricks

• Brown the beef in batches to ensure a good sear and avoid overcrowding the pot.
• Deglaze the pot with red wine or beef broth to capture all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
• For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking.
• Let the stew rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
• Accompany with a glass of red wine that complements the stew's rich flavors.

Dietary Restrictions

• Gluten-free (ensure all ingredients used are certified gluten-free)

Keywords: comfort food, homemade, easy recipe, gluten-free, high protein, slow cooker, winter recipe, hearty meal