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Introduction
Looking for a cozy, comforting meal to warm you up? This Hearty Beef Stew is just what you need. Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying family dinner. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- ½ cup red wine (optional)
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or as needed)
- 2 tablespoons water (or as needed)
- ¾ cup peas
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Trim and Cube the Beef: Start by trimming any excess fat from the stewing beef and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. This ensures the beef cooks evenly and becomes tender.
- Coat the Beef: In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the beef cubes in this mixture until they are well coated. This step helps thicken the stew later and adds a delicious crust to the beef.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the flour-coated beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This browning process is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors in your stew.
Step 3: Build the Broth
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the beef broth, and if using, the red wine. The wine adds a subtle richness to the stew, enhancing its overall flavor.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, which provides a tangy sweetness to balance the savory elements of the dish.
- Season: Sprinkle in the dried rosemary or add a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and cube the potatoes, then cut the carrots and celery into 1-inch pieces.
- Simmer the Stew: Add the prepared vegetables to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for about an hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. If the beef isn’t tender after 60 minutes, continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew
- Make the Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will be used to thicken the stew.
- Thicken the Stew: Slowly add the slurry to the simmering stew, stirring constantly until the broth reaches your desired thickness. You may not need all of the slurry, so add it gradually.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Add the Peas: Stir in the peas and let the stew simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. The peas add a pop of color and sweetness, balancing the rich flavors of the stew.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hearty beef stew with a crusty loaf of bread, over mashed potatoes, or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Beef Stew Meat: Stew meat is often made from tougher cuts of beef, so if your meat isn’t tender after the initial cooking time, cover and let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches the desired tenderness.
- Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during cooking or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the broth.
Enjoy this warm and comforting beef stew, perfect for a cozy night in!
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