There’s nothing like the comforting aroma of beef simmering with vegetables on a chilly evening. This BEST EVER BEEF STEW warms the heart and soul, filling the house with nostalgia. It’s been making waves lately for its rich flavors and simplicity, perfect for cozy dinners.
This dish combines tender beef, hearty root vegetables, and a splash of wine, creating a rich, savory stew that feels like a warm hug. It’s like your grandma’s classic but tailored for busy familiesyou can throw everything in one pot! Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Since my early days of blogging back in 2012, beef stew has been a staple in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it for friends; they were amazed by how tender the meat turned out. The trick? Let it simmer low and slow for that ultimate flavor infusion. This recipe has brought friends and family together at the table countless times!
Thomas Baker
Best Ever Beef Stew: Ultimate Cozy Recipe
Nothing beats a warm bowl of Best Ever Beef Stew, a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef chunks, golden potatoes, and sweet carrots in a rich broth. This ever beef stew recipe perfectly combines simple ingredients for a slow cooked, flavorful classic that’s ideal for cozy evenings or family dinners. Whether you want a hearty tender beef vegetable stew or a classic guinness beef stew slow cooked style, this easy one pot beef stew family favorite will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.
Toss the beef chunks with the flour, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef pieces in batches until all sides are nicely seared; remove and set aside.
Using the same pot, cook the diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent, then add the minced garlic and stir for about one minute.
Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for two minutes, then pour in a small amount of beef broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Put the browned beef back into the pot, then add the potatoes, carrots, remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Take out the bay leaves, taste the stew, and add extra salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
For richer flavor, brown the beef in smaller batches to avoid steaming. The stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. To freeze, let cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cozy Comfort: There’s nothing quite like curling up with a bowl of hearty, tender beef vegetable stew on a chilly evening.
Family Favorite: This easy one-pot beef stew is sure to be a hit with everyone, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Simple Steps: With just a few ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a delicious meal without any fuss.
Flavorful & Satisfying: Loaded with tender beef, sweet carrots, and buttery potatoes, this is winter comfort food at its finest!
Key Ingredients and Tools
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making the BEST EVER BEEF STEW. Here’s what you’ll need:
Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the showchoose a well-marbled cut for tenderness.
Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic bring flavor and nutrition.
Broth & Seasonings: Beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves add depth.
Essential Tools: A sturdy Dutch oven or large pot for simmering your stew.
How It Works: Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by coating the beef chunks in flour, salt, and pepper for a tasty crust.
In your pot, heat the olive oil and brown the beef on all sides. This step creates an incredible flavor base!
Next, sauté the diced onion until it’s translucent, then stir in the minced garlic for that aromatic punch.
Mix in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for two minutes, which enhances the richness of the stew.
Pour in a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom.
Return the browned beef to the pot and add the potatoes, carrots, remaining broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
Bring everything to a boilthen lower the heat, cover, and let it gently simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours.
Before serving, remove the bay leaves and season as needed. Enjoy!
Tweaks and Adjustments
Want to make this beef stew your own? Here are some suggestions:
Vegetable Swaps: Try adding parsnips or turnips for a twist, or opt for gluten-free root vegetables.
Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can brighten up the dish.
Keto-Friendly: If you’re looking for a low-carb beef stew, consider swapping potatoes for cauliflower.
Serving and Storage Tips
This beef stew is perfect for any gathering or a quiet night at home. Here’s how to store and serve it:
Serving: Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storing: Allow the stew to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For those freezer-friendly meal prep days, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to restore that delicious texture.
Timing Chart for The Best Ever Beef Stew
Step
Time
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 45 minutes
Expert Says
For the best ever beef stew, select cuts like chuck roast that benefit from slow cooking. This method breaks down collagen fibers, creating a tender texture and rich flavor. Remember to brown the meat first; this caramelization enhances depth, elevating your stew from ordinary to extraordinary.
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The Best Ever Beef Stew: A Flavorful Masterpiece
This beef stew took me countless weekends to perfect, with one memorable attempt resulting in a kitchen explosion of flour and stock. Each new version brought me closer to the rich, hearty dish I envisioned. Slow-cooked with love, this recipe is truly the culmination of my culinary journey, brimming with warmth and depth.
FAQs ( Best Ever Beef Stew )
How long to cook beef stew in the oven?
For a rich and flavorful dish, cook in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 2.5 to 3 hours. This low and slow method ensures the meat becomes tender and infuses the sauce with deep flavor.
What is the best cut of beef for stew?
Chuck roast is ideal for stew due to its marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down during cooking, resulting in a tender texture. Other good options include brisket or round cuts.
Can I use red wine in beef stew?
Absolutely! A dry red wine adds depth and complexity to the flavor. Just be sure to cook it down to concentrate the taste before adding your broth and vegetables.
Can I freeze beef stew?
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to three months; just reheat slowly to maintain flavor and texture.
What to serve with beef stew?
Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a filling meal. A simple green salad can also complement the hearty flavors and bring a fresh balance to the dish.
Conclusion
There you have itthe BEST EVER BEEF STEW that promises warmth and comfort in every spoonful! After just 2.5 hours, your kitchen will be infused with irresistible aromas, and you’ll be savoring a rich, savory delight that’s utterly family-approved.
Want to elevate your stew? Toss in some fresh herbs or swap potatoes for tender cauliflower for a lovely keto twist. And here’s a little secret: a splash of red wine before serving makes it pop! Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and just reheat on the stove to bring back that cozy goodness.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did you grow up with something similar? Snap a pic of your creation and share your memories! Don’t forget to save this recipe for those colder days aheadit’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket!
