Hearty Beef Stew Classic

I still remember the first time I made this beef stew on a chilly evening; the aroma filling the kitchen made me feel instantly at home and comforted.

One night, when unexpected guests showed up, this stew saved the day with its hearty goodness, making everyone ask for seconds and leaving me grinning from ear to ear.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck: The perfect cut for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers away.
• Olive oil: I prefer extra virgin for its rich flavor that adds depth to the base of the stew.
• Onion, garlic, carrots, celery: These classic aromatics build the backbone of the stew’s comforting flavor.
• Potatoes: They absorb the broth beautifully and add hearty body to the dish.
• Frozen peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and a sweet contrast.
• Beef broth: Use homemade or high-quality store-bought for the richest taste.
• Dry red wine: Optional but adds a lovely complexity (feel free to replace with broth if preferred).
• Tomato paste and flour: These thickeners bring body and depth to the stew.
• Thyme, rosemary, bay leaves: Fresh or dried herbs infuse warmth and earthiness.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to bring out all the layered flavors.
• Fresh parsley: A bright finishing touch if you have it on hand.

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Pat the beef cubes dry so they brown nicely, and chop all your veggies to have everything within arm's reach—it makes the whole cooking process smoother.

The Part Where Magic Happens:

Heat olive oil until shimmering, then sear the beef until beautifully browned on all sides—the smell is rich and mouthwatering here, the kind that promises good things to come.

Sauté and Build Flavors:

Cook your onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant; their sweetness melding beautifully with the intense browning from the beef.

Thicken It Up:

Stir in tomato paste and flour, letting them cook off any raw edge for a minute—this step adds a lovely gooey richness to your stew.

Deglaze and Simmer:

Add the wine, if using, scraping the pot bottom to lift all those delicious browned bits; simmer for a couple of minutes letting flavors meld.

Bring It All Together:

Return the beef, then add broth, potatoes, herbs, and bay leaves; bring everything to a gentle simmer filled with bubbling anticipation.

Patience Pays Off:

Lower heat, cover, and let the stew cook slowly; the air fills with comforting smells as the beef softens and vegetables release their sweetness.

Final Touches:

Remove lid, stir in peas, and simmer uncovered so the stew thickens slightly and peas stay bright and fresh; remember to remove bay leaves before serving.

Save

This dish has become a symbol of gathering and warmth in my home, evoking memories of cozy nights and shared laughter around the table.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers reheat beautifully, but I find adding a splash of broth during reheating helps keep the stew from drying out and tastes as fresh as the first day.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Serving this stew with crusty bread or buttered noodles is a game changer; each bite soaking up the rich sauce makes every mouthful a comforting delight.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once when I was running late for dinner guests, this stew’s prep and long cook time meant I could set it and forget it, coming back to a perfect, ready-to-eat meal everyone adored.

• Don’t forget to taste before serving to adjust salt and pepper perfectly.
• If you forgot the wine, extra broth works just fine to keep flavors rich.
• Fresh herbs at the end add a bright, fresh contrast to the deep stew flavors—try it!

Save

Thanks for spending time in the kitchen with me; I hope this stew brings you as much comfort and joy as it has to me.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Beef chuck is ideal due to its marbling, which breaks down during slow cooking to yield tender, flavorful meat.

→ Can red wine be omitted or substituted?

Yes, red wine is optional and can be replaced with extra beef broth to maintain the dish’s deep flavor without alcohol.

→ How can I thicken the broth naturally?

Mixing flour with tomato paste and cooking briefly before adding liquids helps create a rich, thickened broth.

→ Are there good vegetable substitutions?

Turnips or parsnips can replace potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

→ What side pairs well with this dish?

Serving with crusty bread complements the hearty broth and tender beef, ideal for soaking up the flavors.