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Beef Stew – Rich & Hearty Comfort Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 248 reviews

This classic Beef Stew recipe offers a rich and hearty meal perfect for cold weather. Tender beef chuck is slowly simmered with aromatic vegetables, red wine, and herbs, resulting in a flavorful, comforting stew that’s easier to prepare than you might think.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5 inch cubes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Liquids and Others

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Beef: Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor and ensure a better sear.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding, allowing a rich crust to form on all sides. Remove cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook until the vegetables become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Aromatics and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook the mixture for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste and to blend flavors seamlessly.
  5. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in 1 cup of red wine (optional), stirring to deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer briefly to reduce slightly and concentrate flavor.
  6. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, add 2 teaspoons of dried thyme and 2 bay leaves, then return the browned beef cubes to the pot. Stir everything together.
  7. Simmer the Stew: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook the stew for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
  8. Add Potatoes and Finish Cooking: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and cook until they become tender, about 20-30 minutes.
  9. Final Touches: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, season the stew with additional salt and pepper to taste, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the peas through. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Browning the beef in batches prevents steaming and helps develop deeper flavor.
  • Red wine is optional but adds richness; substitute with extra beef broth if preferred.
  • For thicker stew, cook uncovered in the last 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
  • Serve with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Keywords: beef stew, hearty stew, comfort food, beef chuck recipe, slow simmer stew

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/beef-stew-rich-and-hearty-comfort-soup-recipe/