Looking for the Perfect Classic Beef Stew Recipe? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide!

Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of classic beef stew. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Follow this recipe for a hearty and flavorful stew that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 large carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, ensuring it browns on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Add the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This step enhances the flavor.
4. Build the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 ½ hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. Add Vegetables: Once the beef is tender, add the potatoes and carrots. Stir, cover, and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
6. Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp of flour with a little water to form a slurry. Slowly add it to the stew while stirring. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the stew thickens to your liking.
7. Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Helpful Notes:

• Flavor Boost: For a richer flavor, you can use bone-in beef chuck and remove the bones after simmering.
• Storage: Beef stew stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s even better the next day!
• Freezing Tip: You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing, and reheat gently on the stove.

This classic beef stew recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Try it out, and enjoy the rich flavors that come from simple, wholesome ingredients!