Few meals deliver the pure, soul-soothing satisfaction of a rich, hearty Beef Stew. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth that’s slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Ideal for cozy evenings or family gatherings, every bite of this classic stew is filled with robust flavors and warmth. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewards you with a pot of deliciousness.
Beef Stew combines tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and a savory broth simmered to perfection. It's hearty, filling, and the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
(Serves 6–8)
- 1 kg stewing beef (e.g., chuck), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced into thick rounds
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 750 ml beef stock
- 250 ml red wine (optional, or substitute with more stock)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Beef
Toss the beef cubes in the flour, ensuring they are well coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. - Sear the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the onions are translucent. - Build the Base
Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 1 minute. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Let the wine reduce by half. - Simmer the Stew
Return the beef to the pot and add the beef stock, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined. - Adjust and Finish
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too thick, add a bit more stock. Remove bay leaves before serving. - Serve
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent meal.
PRO TIP:
For even richer flavor, make the stew a day ahead and reheat it before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
Conclusion
This Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, offering tender meat, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling completely satisfied. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Perfect for cold nights or whenever you need a little culinary hug in a bowl!
