Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

This hearty beef stew is a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly days or when you're craving something warm and filling. Made with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, this recipe delivers maximum flavor without using any alcohol. It's an ideal dish for a family dinner or a weekend meal that can be prepared with ease.

Ingredients:

• For the Beef:

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)

• For the Stew:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 large carrots, cut into thick slices
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure it's alcohol-free)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef (15-20 minutes):

• Season and Coat the Beef: In a bowl, toss the beef cubes with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of flour (this helps thicken the stew later).
• Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring each piece gets browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove the browned beef and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables (5-7 minutes):

• Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the carrots and celery, sautéing for another 2-3 minutes.

3. Build the Stew (5 minutes):

• Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
• Pour in the Beef Broth: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
• Return the Beef: Place the browned beef cubes back into the pot, along with any juices they released.

4. Simmer the Stew (90 minutes):

• Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high until the stew comes to a boil.
• Reduce Heat and Simmer: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beef should become tender, and the broth will thicken.

5. Add Potatoes and Peas (25-30 minutes):

• Add Potatoes: After the stew has been simmering for about 1 hour, stir in the cubed potatoes. Continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Add Peas: Stir in the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat them through.

6. Final Adjustments and Serve:

• Check Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• Remove Bay Leaves: Discard the bay leaves before serving.
• Garnish and Serve: Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with crusty bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Timing Recap:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours
  • Searing beef: 15-20 minutes
  • Sautéing vegetables: 5-7 minutes
  • Simmering stew: 90 minutes
  • Cooking potatoes: 25-30 minutes

Conclusion:

This hearty beef stew is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day. The tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables make this a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Plus, it's alcohol-free, making it suitable for a wide range of preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting bowl of beef stew with your family and friends!