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- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 cup frozen peas I love using beef chuck for stew. It has great flavor and becomes tender. I cut it into one-inch cubes for even cooking. The olive oil helps brown the meat, giving it a rich taste. The onion and garlic add a lovely aroma. Carrots and potatoes provide sweetness and heartiness. Frozen peas are perfect for color and texture. - 3 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium) - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste For my stew, I use low-sodium beef broth. It keeps the dish hearty without being too salty. Tomato paste adds depth, while Worcestershire sauce gives a savory kick. Thyme and rosemary bring fresh flavor. I always season with salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. - Fresh parsley, chopped I love to garnish my beef stew with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Just chop it finely and sprinkle it on top before serving. This little touch makes the stew look inviting and delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. - Add 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. - Brown the beef in batches. This helps it cook evenly. - Each batch should take about 4-5 minutes. - Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate. - In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion. - Cook the onion for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. - Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. - Cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. - Return the beef to the pot. - Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. - Make sure the beef is well coated with the sauces. - Pour in 3 cups of beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. - Add 4 large sliced carrots and 3 medium cubed potatoes. - Season with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. - Stir well to combine all the ingredients. - Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. - Let the stew simmer for about 2 hours. - Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - About 10 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. - Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. - Use a ladle to serve the hot beef stew into bowls. - Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. - This adds color and extra flavor to your dish. - Best practices for browning beef: To brown beef well, heat olive oil in a pot. Add the beef in small batches. This helps the meat brown evenly. Allow each piece to cook for 4-5 minutes. Don't rush this step. A good browning adds rich flavor. - How to enhance flavor with seasonings: Use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. They add depth to your stew. A spoonful of tomato paste boosts the taste too. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They help to bring out all the flavors. - Refrigeration guidelines: Store leftover stew in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. - Freezing instructions: You can freeze beef stew for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Serving suggestions: Ladle the stew into rustic bowls. This gives a cozy feel. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it look bright. It’s all about that inviting look. - Accompaniments like bread or salad: Serve the stew with crusty bread. It soaks up the tasty broth. A fresh side salad adds crunch and color. Together, they make a full meal. Pro Tips Brown the Meat Well: Ensure you properly brown the beef in batches. This step adds depth to the flavor and creates a rich base for your stew. Use Quality Broth: Opt for a low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of your stew. Homemade broth can elevate the taste significantly. Add Fresh Herbs: For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the stew to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld even more. {{image_4}} You can easily change up your beef stew. Try using different vegetables like turnips or parsnips. These veggies add a nice twist. For the meat, consider different cuts of beef. Brisket or round steak can work well. Each cut gives a different taste to your stew. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free broth and sauces. You can also make a vegetarian version. Replace the beef with mushrooms or jackfruit. This keeps the stew hearty and filling without meat. To boost flavors, add a splash of red wine. It deepens the taste of the stew. Mushrooms also add a nice earthy flavor. You can experiment with spices too. Adding smoked paprika or cumin gives a unique twist. These small changes can make your stew feel brand new. Each serving of this hearty beef stew has about 350 calories. It contains approximately: - 24 grams of protein - 15 grams of fat - 28 grams of carbs - 4 grams of fiber This stew fills you up with good nutrition. The key ingredients in this stew offer great health benefits. Here’s a look at some of them: - Beef Chuck: Packed with protein, iron, and zinc, beef helps build strong muscles. - Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, carrots support good vision and skin health. - Potatoes: A good source of potassium, potatoes help with heart health. - Onion and Garlic: Both have antioxidants and can boost your immune system. For healthy eating, serve this stew with a side of whole grain bread. This adds fiber and keeps you full longer. If you have dietary needs, here are some options: - Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium beef broth. This helps control salt intake. - Substitutions for Allergens: If you are allergic to beef, try using chicken or turkey instead. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms and lentils. These changes keep the stew tasty while meeting your needs. To thicken your beef stew, you have a few easy options. First, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water. Add this mix to the stew slowly while stirring. This helps to avoid lumps. Another way is to mash some of the potatoes in the stew. This will create a creamy texture. Lastly, you can let it simmer longer with the lid off. This allows steam to escape, making the stew thicker. Yes, you can make hearty beef stew in a slow cooker! Just brown the beef first. This adds great flavor. Then, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This method keeps the meat juicy. You may want to add the peas in the last 30 minutes to keep them bright and tender. Beef stew pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread for dipping - A simple green salad - Mashed potatoes for extra comfort - Steamed vegetables for balance These sides make the meal hearty and satisfying. Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to keep it longer, beef stew freezes well. Just let it cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for about 3 months in the freezer. This beef stew recipe blends rich flavors and simple steps to create a comforting dish. You learned about key ingredients, from the beef chuck to fresh parsley. I shared tips for perfecting every part, including storage and presentation. Variations let you tailor the stew to your taste and dietary needs. Remember, each bowl is not only tasty but packed with nutrition. Enjoy cooking and sharing this warm meal with family and friends. It’s a classic that never disappoints!

Savory Slow-Cooked Beef Stew

A hearty and flavorful beef stew, slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef, vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the cubes on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent, stirring occasionally. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  • Return the seared beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, making sure the beef is well coated with the sauces.
  • Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  • Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the stew simmer gently for approximately 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
  • About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and allow them to heat through in the simmering stew.
  • Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed, enhancing the flavors to your preference.
  • Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and extra flavor.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the stew in rustic bowls or deep plates, and accompany it with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, slow-cooked