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Amazing Beef Stew

Amazing Beef Stew
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Amazing Beef Stew is a hearty and satisfying dish featuring tender beef chunks simmered with vibrant vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly days, this comforting stew fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers soulful flavors that warm both body and spirit. Simple to prepare and endlessly customizable, it is an ideal meal for any occasion, pleasing cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks

Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 4 cups beef broth or stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Thickening Agent

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (mixed with cold water for slurry)

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Ingredients: Cut the beef into even, bite-sized chunks and chop all vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor in every spoonful.
  2. Searing the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides to lock in juices and develop a deep, savory crust that enriches the stew’s flavor.
  3. Sautéing Aromatics: Remove the beef from the pot temporarily. Add chopped onions and garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the broth.
  4. Combining Ingredients and Simmering: Return the beef to the pot. Add tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, letting the beef tenderize and flavors meld.
  5. Adding Vegetables and Thickening: Once the beef starts to soften, add carrots and potatoes. Cook until vegetables are tender. Stir in a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the stew to your preferred consistency.
  6. Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let the stew rest off heat for 10-15 minutes to enhance the melding of flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use quality beef cuts such as chuck or brisket for optimal tenderness.
  • Don’t rush searing; proper browning adds essential layers of flavor.
  • Simmer the stew low and slow for several hours to break down connective tissue and develop richness.
  • Season incrementally throughout cooking to build complex flavors.
  • Rest the stew after cooking to deepen flavor profiles.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils.
  • Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick if desired.
  • Try substituting red wine during cooking for a richer flavor.
  • Swap root vegetables or try low-carb veggies like cauliflower to customize nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, hearty stew, comfort food, slow-cooked beef, homemade stew, winter meal

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/amazing-beef-stew/