Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables

Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables: A Comforting Classic”

Introduction

Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming you up on chilly days or when you need a hearty, wholesome meal.

This timeless dish has been cherished for generations, with its tender chunks of beef, savory broth, and an abundance of flavorful vegetables.

Slowly cooked to perfection, beef stew allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, aromatic dish that is as satisfying as it is nourishing.

This recipe captures the essence of a classic beef stew while allowing room for personal customization. Whether served on its own, paired with crusty bread, or ladled over mashed potatoes, this stew is a crowd-pleaser.

Follow this detailed guide to create a beef stew that will fill your home with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles.

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:

2 pounds (1 kg) beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup red wine (optional, or substitute with beef broth)

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water (optional, for adjusting consistency)

2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

1 cup chopped celery

1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For Serving:

Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef cubes in the mixture until evenly coated.
   2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   1. In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the onions and garlic.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
   1. Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Add the Broth and Simmer:
   1. Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and paprika. Stir to combine.
   2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. Add the Vegetables:
   1. After 1½ hours of cooking, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Stir well and cover. Cook for an additional 30–40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
   1. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs as needed. If the stew is too thick, add water or broth in small amounts to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve:
   1. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
   2. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping, over mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed rice for a hearty meal.

Conclusion

This Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables is a dish that embodies comfort, tradition, and nourishment. Each bite delivers tender beef, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked vegetables, making it a go-to meal for family dinners or gatherings. The slow-cooking process ensures that all the ingredients meld together, creating a depth of flavor that’s impossible to resist.

What makes this stew so special is its versatility. You can swap in your favorite root vegetables, add mushrooms for an earthy twist, or include parsnips for a touch of sweetness. No matter how you customize it, this recipe will remain a reliable and delicious classic in your culinary repertoire.