Beef Stew Recipe with Tender Meat and Rich Flavor

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Ruby Bennett
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Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew

This beef stew recipe stands out for its straightforward steps and quick cooking time, making it a go-to option for anyone with a busy schedule. You’ll enjoy a meal packed with its nutrients like protein from the beef and vitamins from fresh veggies, helping you maintain a balanced diet without extra effort. Plus, this dish is flexible, letting you tweak ingredients to fit different needs like gluten-free or vegan diets.

One of the best parts is how easy it is to put together, with simple prep that cuts down on kitchen time. Imagining a warm bowl on a chilly evening, this stew brings comfort and nourishment in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, it’s sure to become a favorite.

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Essential Ingredients for Beef Stew

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious beef stew. Below is a complete list based on a trusted recipe that ensures tender meat and rich flavor. Each item includes the exact measurement to help you shop and cook with ease.

  • 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, more as needed
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • ½ cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ¾ cup peas

These ingredients come together to create a hearty dish. For special dietary options, you can swap beef with seitan or mushrooms for a vegan version, or use gluten-free broth and cornstarch to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. This approach allows you to customize the stew while keeping the core flavors intact.

Adding in seasonal veggies like extra carrots can boost the nutrition even more, as they bring benefits such as improved eye health. To learn more about how carrots enhance your meals, check out this resource on carrot benefits.

How to Prepare the Perfect Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with beef stew begins with pulling together all your ingredients, like cubing the beef and chopping the veggies, to keep things smooth. Once everything is ready, heat the olive oil in a large pot and brown the beef in batches for that deep, tasty flavor. This step really brings out the richness you’re aiming for.

Next, add in the onions and cook them until soft, which takes about three minutes, then pour in the beef broth and wine if you’re using it. Stir in the beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary, then let it simmer covered on low heat for about an hour until the beef turns tender. For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water and add it in to get the right consistency, boiling briefly to blend everything well.

Finally, toss in the peas for the last few minutes so they stay bright and firm. Remember, searing the beef first enhances the slow cooker magic, much like in other hearty recipes on this site. This whole process, from prep to plate, takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, with 20 minutes for prep and 1 hour and 10 minutes for cooking, making it a practical choice for weeknights.

Preparation Tips for Best Results

If the beef isn’t tender after an hour, give it more time, up to 90 minutes, to soften up. Feel free to mix in leftover veggies like green beans or corn for added variety. This stew freezes great too, so portion it out for easy meals later. Following these directions ensures a stew that’s not only flavorful but also simple to handle.

Beef Stew this …

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Beef Stew

Making beef stew your own is fun and easy with a few swaps. For instance, swap beef for seitan or mushrooms if you want a vegan twist, or use chicken for a lighter option. Vegetable broth can replace beef broth to keep the taste rich while fitting plant-based diets.

You can also play with veggies by trading carrots and celery for parsnips or sweet potatoes based on what you have on hand. If you’re watching gluten, go for tamari in place of soy-based seasonings, and add smoked paprika for a fresh flavor kick. These changes help everyone enjoy the meal without losing that comforting feel.

Nutritional perks come into play too, with beef providing iron and protein that support energy levels. For more on beef’s role in nutrition, visit this helpful guide that dives into its benefits.

Mastering Beef Stew: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your beef stew to the next level, focus on browning the beef well for added depth in taste. Using a heavy pot helps with even cooking, and letting it simmer slowly breaks down the meat for that perfect tender bite. These pro techniques make a big difference in the final dish.

Try out flavors by adding herbs like rosemary or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra complexity. For serving, think about plating in cozy bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and some crusty bread on the side. If you’re planning ahead, make the stew the day before so the tastes meld even more, and it freezes nicely for quick meals.

  • Brown beef in small batches to avoid steaming.
  • Experiment with spices like bay leaves for new tastes.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.

This builds on the basic recipe, making it versatile for different occasions. Adding in peas at the end keeps them from getting too soft, as mentioned in our tips section.

How to Store Beef Stew: Best Practices

Keeping your beef stew fresh starts with putting it in airtight container`s right after cooking. Make sure to store it in the fridge at 40°F or lower and use it within three to four days. This helps keep everything safe and tasty for your next meal.

For longer storage, let the stew cool fully before freezing it in bags or containers, and it’ll last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a stir now and then. Batch cooking like this makes meal prep a breeze for busy days.

Following these steps ensures your stew stays just as good as when it was first made, perfect for those times one pot can feed you all week.

Beef Stew

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stew

How do I properly brown beef for a flavorful stew?

To brown beef for stew, pat the meat dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan with a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Let them sear without moving for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms, then turn to brown all sides. This caramelization adds rich flavor to your stew by creating savory browned bits.

What’s the best way to thicken my beef stew without changing the taste?

A simple way to thicken beef stew is to make a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering stew and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, mash some cooked potatoes or vegetables from the stew directly into the broth. Both methods add body without altering the stew’s flavor.

Can I freeze beef stew, and how should I reheat it safely?

Yes, beef stew freezes well. Portion it into airtight freezer bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results. To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat or use a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Avoid quick defrosting at room temperature to maintain quality and safety.

When is the best time to add vegetables like peas to beef stew?

Vegetables that cook quickly, such as peas, should be added in the last 5 to 10 minutes of simmering. This prevents them from becoming mushy and helps retain their vibrant color and fresh flavor, ensuring they remain tender but not overcooked.

What are good side dishes to serve with beef stew to complement its flavors?

Beef stew pairs well with sides that soak up its rich broth. Classic options include crusty bread, warm biscuits, or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve it alongside roasted root vegetables or buttered egg noodles for a hearty meal. These sides balance the stew’s savory taste and provide texture contrast.
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Beef Stew

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🥩 Experience the ultimate comfort food with this hearty beef stew that transforms tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat swimming in a rich, flavorful broth
🍲 Master the art of slow-cooking with this foolproof recipe that delivers perfectly tender vegetables and deeply savory flavors in every satisfying spoonful

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

– 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed

– 3 tablespoons flour

– ½ teaspoon garlic powder

– ½ teaspoon salt

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

– 3 tablespoons olive oil, more as needed

– 1 chopped onion

– 6 cups beef broth

– ½ cup red wine (optional)

– 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed

– 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces

– 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces

– 3 tablespoons tomato paste

– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh

– 2 tablespoons cornstarch

– 2 tablespoons water

– ¾ cup peas

Instructions

1-Getting started with beef stew begins with pulling together all your ingredients, like cubing the beef and chopping the veggies, to keep things smooth. Once everything is ready, heat the olive oil in a large pot and brown the beef in batches for that deep, tasty flavor. This step really brings out the richness you’re aiming for.

2-Next, add in the onions and cook them until soft, which takes about three minutes, then pour in the beef broth and wine if you’re using it. Stir in the beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary, then let it simmer covered on low heat for about an hour until the beef turns tender. For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water and add it in to get the right consistency, boiling briefly to blend everything well.

3-Finally, toss in the peas for the last few minutes so they stay bright and firm. Remember, searing the beef first enhances the slow cooker magic, much like in other hearty recipes on this site. This whole process, from prep to plate, takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, with 20 minutes for prep and 1 hour and 10 minutes for cooking, making it a practical choice for weeknights.

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Notes

🔥 Don’t skip the searing step – browning the beef creates a deep flavor base through caramelization that makes all the difference in the final taste
⏰ If the beef isn’t tender after 60 minutes, keep simmering covered for another 15-20 minutes – low and slow is the key to perfectly tender meat
🧊 This stew freezes beautifully in single-serving portions – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently for a quick, satisfying meal

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free flour)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 444
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 383mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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