Beef stew stands as a timeless comfort food, offering hearty nourishment with tender meat and flavorful vegetables enveloped in a rich, savory broth. Crafting this classic dish at home is both rewarding and straightforward, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. This guide will walk you through a traditional beef stew recipe, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
To prepare a classic beef stew that serves six, gather the following ingredients:
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For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional; can substitute with additional beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
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Prepare the Beef:
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure better browning. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Sear the Beef:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear each piece until browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
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Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the red wine (or additional beef broth if omitting wine) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the liquid to simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
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Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Return the seared beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it is well incorporated. Add the beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
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Incorporate Vegetables:
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.
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Thicken the Stew (Optional):
- For a thicker consistency, create a beurre manié by mixing the softened butter and flour into a smooth paste. Stir this mixture into the simmering stew, allowing it to cook for a few more minutes until the desired thickness is achieved.
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Season and Serve:
- Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or over a bed of rice or noodles.
Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew
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Choosing the Right Cut: Opt for well-marbled cuts like beef chuck, which become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
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Browning the Meat: Searing the beef enhances the stew’s depth of flavor. Ensure the meat is dry before searing and avoid overcrowding the pot.
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Low and Slow Cooking: Simmering the stew gently allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. Patience is key to achieving the best results.
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Flavor Enhancements: Incorporating a splash of red wine adds complexity to the broth. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can elevate the stew’s aromatic profile.
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Make-Ahead: Beef stew often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Consider making it a day ahead and reheating before serving.
By following this recipe and tips, you can create a hearty and flavorful beef stew that warms both the heart and soul—a perfect dish for cozy dinners and family gatherings.