Best Ever Beef Stew
Discover the Best Ever Beef Stew, a rich and hearty dish featuring tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a deeply savory broth. This comforting classic is perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with loved ones, delivering pure satisfaction in every bite with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour)
Meat and Proteins
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 yellow onions, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
Liquids and Broth
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Prep and Brown the Beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into evenly sized chunks. Toss them lightly with salt, pepper, and a dusting of flour. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot, then sear the beef in batches until deeply browned on all sides to lock in flavor and create a delicious crust.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom, which add excellent flavor.
- Deglaze and Build the Base: Pour in red wine if using, stirring and scraping the pot to dissolve the fond. Then add tomato paste, stirring to combine and enhance the stew’s depth with a subtle tangy sweetness.
- Add Broth, Herbs, and Simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot along with chopped carrots, potatoes, fresh thyme, bay leaves, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours until the beef is meltingly tender.
- Final Seasoning and Adjustments: Once the stew is thick and the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems before serving.
Notes
- Brown beef well for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh thyme if possible for better aroma.
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Simmer slow and low to develop tender beef and rich sauce.
- Let stew rest off heat to let flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: beef stew, hearty stew, comfort food, slow cooked beef, beef chuck roast, classic stew, winter meal