Bowl of delicious beef stew with vegetables and herbs

Delicious Beef Stew

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Delicious Beef Stew: A Cozy, Heartwarming Recipe for Your Family

Ah, the magic of a pot of steaming beef stew simmering away on a chilly evening! The aroma fills the house, drawing everyone in like a warm embrace. This Delicious Beef Stew is my go-to recipe for those moments when the days grow shorter, and the nights turn crisp with autumn’s arrival. I remember my grandmother standing by the stove, filling our kitchen with rich and savory scents, as she lovingly stirred a bubbling pot of beef stew—an effortless ritual that brought our family together at the dinner table.

This hearty dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for those easy weeknight dinners or leisurely Sunday suppers. You’ll love how uncomplicated it is to prepare, making it an ideal choice when you want something cozy yet fulfilling. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and Filling: This beef stew is packed with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich broth, making it a hearty meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
  • Slow-Cooked Flavor: The long simmer time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for colder months.
  • Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps and minimal effort, you can create a culinary masterpiece that feels fancy but is wonderfully approachable.
  • Family-Friendly: This stew caters to a wide range of tastes and is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
  • Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for those busy weeknights; it’s like having a homemade meal waiting for you!

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for your Delicious Beef Stew:

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make Delicious Beef Stew

Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cozy beef stew:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the beef and brown on all sides, savoring the delightful sizzle as it cooks.
  3. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside, letting the metal pan do its magic with those luscious browned bits.
  4. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant, filling your kitchen with cozy aromas.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined, letting the spices bloom.
  6. Add the beef back into the pot along with the beef broth, diced potatoes, and sliced carrots, mixing it all together.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 6-8 hours or until the beef is beautifully tender and the flavors are deep and rich.
  8. Serve warm, ladling generous portions into bowls and savoring each bite.

Variations & Creative Twists

While this Delicious Beef Stew is perfect as is, there are fun ways to customize it to suit your tastes:

  • Zesty Lemon Twist: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
  • Creamy Add-In: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for a rich, creamy texture that compliments the stew wonderfully.
  • Root Vegetable Medley: Substitute or add in parsnips or sweet potatoes for a sweeter, heartier flavor profile.
  • Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes for those who love a little heat in their meals.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

To help you achieve the best results, here are a few of my kitchen secrets:

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare your stew the day before and refrigerate it overnight; the flavors will be even more pronounced the next day!
  • Cutting Technique: For even cooking, try to cut all your veggies into similar sizes. This way, they’ll cook evenly and make for a beautiful presentation.
  • Storing Leftovers: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition (based on a serving of 1 cup):

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 385
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Sodium: 450mg

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you on your journey to cozy beef stew bliss, here are some common questions:

  1. Can I make this ahead?
    Absolutely! Beef stew tastes even better the next day, and it can be made a day or two in advance.

  2. Can I use different ingredients?
    Yes! You can substitute other root vegetables or even use beef alternatives like turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

  3. How do I store leftovers?
    Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze in individual portions for easy weeknight meals later.

  4. How long does it last?
    When stored properly in the fridge, beef stew will last for about 3-4 days. If frozen, it can last for about 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Delicious Beef Stew recipe is truly a family classic, embodying the heart and warmth of home-cooked meals. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about ladling out servings of beef stew, reminding us all to cherish the moments gathered around the table. Save this Delicious Beef Stew to your Cozy Recipes board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!

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Delicious Beef Stew

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 435 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None
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Description

A heartwarming beef stew recipe perfect for chilly evenings, packed with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
  3. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add the beef back into the pot along with the beef broth, diced potatoes, and sliced carrots.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 360-480 minutes or until the beef is tender.
  8. Serve warm in bowls.

Notes

Make the stew a day ahead for enhanced flavor. Cut vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 420 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: beef stew, cozy meal, comfort food, family recipe, fall recipes

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