Easy Beef Stew Recipe—a timeless comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. Made with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew is a one-pot wonder that will fill your home with irresistible aromas and satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Why You’ll Love The Easy Beef Stew Recipe:
Our Beef Stew recipe is the epitome of comfort and convenience. With its rich and savory broth, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and wholesome vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal that’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Personal Story: Growing up, Beef Stew was a staple in our household, especially during the colder months. I have fond memories of coming home to the aroma of simmering stew on the stove, signaling that dinner was just moments away. It was a dish that brought our family together around the table, where we would share stories and laughter over steaming bowls of hearty goodness. Now, I’m excited to share this beloved recipe with you, so you too can create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Key Features:
- Tender chunks of beef
- Hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions
- Aromatic herbs and spices
- Rich and flavorful broth
What i need to make Easy Beef Stew Recipe
- 2 lbs (about 900g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Easy Beef Stew Recipe
- In a large bowl, season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then toss them with the flour until evenly coated.
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- After 1 hour, add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- If using frozen peas, add them to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the Beef Stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Cooking Tips For Easy Beef Stew Recipe:
- For best results, use beef chuck or stew meat, which is well-suited for slow cooking and becomes tender and flavorful when braised.
- Browning the beef before simmering adds depth of flavor to the stew. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot, as this can prevent proper browning.
- Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite vegetables, such as celery, parsnips, or turnips.
- Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Variations For Easy Beef Stew Recipe:
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
- For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as paprika, cumin, or dried thyme, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Serve the Beef Stew over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a hearty meal.
Make It Healthier:
- Use lean cuts of beef and trim any excess fat to reduce the calorie and fat content of the stew.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables and decrease the amount of meat for a lighter version of the stew.
- Skim any excess fat from the surface of the stew before serving to reduce the overall fat content.
Closing: Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food experience with our flavorful Easy Beef Stew Recipe. With its tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter’s night or as a comforting meal any time of year, this classic dish is sure to warm your heart and soul.
Frequently Asked Questions Fro Easy Beef Stew Recipe:
Can I use a different cut of beef for the stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as brisket, short ribs, or round roast for the stew. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut you choose.
Can I make Easy Beef Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, Beef Stew can be made in a slow cooker for added convenience. Simply brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
Can I omit the red wine from the Easy Beef Stew Recipe?
Yes, you can omit the red wine if you prefer. You can substitute additional beef broth or water for the wine, or simply leave it out altogether.
Can I make an Easy Beef Stew Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Beef Stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight, then reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs in place of dried herbs if you have them available. Just keep in mind that the flavor intensity may vary, so you may need to adjust the quantity accordingly.
Can I add mushrooms to the stew?
Yes, mushrooms would be a delicious addition to the stew. You can add them along with the carrots and potatoes or sauté them separately and stir them in towards the end of cooking.
Can I thicken the stew with something other than cornstarch?
Yes, you can use flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent instead of cornstarch. Mix it with water to form a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze leftover Beef Stew?
Yes, Beef Stew freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stove or in the microwave.
Beef Stew Recipe
Course: All Recipes, Lunch Recipe, Occasions, Weight watchers4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
2 lbs (about 900g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- In a large bowl, season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then toss them with the flour until evenly coated.
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- After 1 hour, add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- If using frozen peas, add them to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the Beef Stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy!