Easy Beef Stew

$- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 cups beef broth - 2 large carrots, sliced - 2 medium potatoes, diced - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - 2 bay leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Large pot or Dutch oven - Cooking spoon - Ladle I love using simple ingredients for this easy beef stew. Each one adds a lot of flavor. The beef chuck is perfect; it becomes tender with long cooking. I use beef broth as the base. It gives a rich taste. Fresh veggies make it healthy. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and texture. The onion and garlic provide a nice aroma. For seasoning, I add a few key ingredients. Tomato paste gives depth. Dried thyme and paprika add warmth. Bay leaves enhance the flavor as it simmers. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fresh parsley on top makes the dish pop. You’ll need some basic tools too. A large pot or Dutch oven works best. A sturdy spoon helps mix everything well. A ladle is handy for serving. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps I’ve included. Enjoy cooking this cozy meal! - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. - Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. - In batches, brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. - Remove the beef and set it aside. - In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. - Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and paprika. - Cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors. - Return the browned beef to the pot. - Add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, bay leaves, and beef broth. - Bring the mixture to a boil. - Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. - Allow the stew to simmer for 1.5 - 2 hours. - Stir occasionally until the beef is tender. - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - Remove bay leaves before serving. This process leads to a rich and hearty stew. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make beef stew great, start with the right cut of beef. I recommend beef chuck. It has fat and connective tissue, which makes it tender when slow-cooked. Look for pieces with good marbling. This fat breaks down during cooking, adding flavor. For tenderness, cooking time is key. I suggest simmering your stew for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking will help the beef become soft. Stir the stew every now and then to keep it from sticking. Adding herbs and spices makes your stew shine. I like using dried thyme and paprika. They give a warm flavor. You can also try rosemary or bay leaves for extra depth. Simmering time is very important, too. The longer you let your stew simmer, the more the flavors meld together. Aim for at least 1.5 hours. This way, your stew will be rich and tasty. You’ll know your beef is tender when it easily falls apart with a fork. Look for a rich, deep color in the broth, too. If the beef is still tough, give it more time. When the stew is ready, the vegetables should be soft but not mushy. The broth should smell amazing. Trust your nose! Use these signs to know when to serve your beef stew. Check out the Full Recipe for a detailed guide. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this stew. Try using chicken or pork instead of beef. These meats add their own flavor, making the stew unique. If you want a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or lentils. They both provide a hearty texture and taste. For vegetables, feel free to swap in seasonal favorites. Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes. Peas, green beans, or corn can add color and nutrition. You can also use parsnips or turnips for a new twist. These options make the dish fresh and exciting. Different regions have their own beef stew styles. Classic Irish beef stew uses dark beer and root vegetables, creating a rich flavor. It often features a thicker broth and tender beef. This stew is perfect for cold nights. In Southwestern-style beef stew, you add spices like chili powder and cumin. This version may include black beans or corn for a kick. It’s a fun way to spice up your dinner table. Each style tells a story through unique flavors. You can use several cooking methods for beef stew. A slow cooker lets flavors blend over hours. Just add the ingredients in the morning and return to a warm meal. It’s perfect for busy days. For a quicker meal, try a pressure cooker. This method cooks the stew in about 30 minutes. You get tender beef and rich broth without waiting long. Both methods yield a delicious dish that warms the heart. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section on ingredients and cooking steps. After you enjoy your easy beef stew, store any leftover stew in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it to room temperature first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place the container in the fridge. Your stew will stay good there for about 3-4 days. When it's time to reheat, pour the stew into a pot. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. This keeps the stew creamy and warm. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Just cover it to avoid splatters and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst for even heating. If you want to save some stew for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags. Just squeeze out the air before sealing. Your beef stew will last about 3-4 months in the freezer. To thaw, move the stew from the freezer to the fridge a day before you plan to eat it. For a quicker method, run the sealed bag under cold water. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned above. In the fridge, your beef stew can last up to 4 days. After this, it’s best to toss it. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for any off smells or changes in color. If it smells sour or looks unusual, don’t eat it. Trust your senses; they are usually right! To make beef stew from scratch, start with beef chuck. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. Brown the beef in olive oil. Then add onions and garlic until soft. Stir in tomato paste and spices. Next, return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, and beef broth. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for one and a half to two hours. This lets the flavors blend, making it rich and tasty. For the full recipe, check the section above. Yes, you can use frozen beef for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best results. This ensures even cooking and great flavor. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but do it carefully. To thicken beef stew, you have a few options. You can use a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the stew and simmer until thickened. Another option is to mash some of the potatoes. This adds creaminess and body to the stew. You can customize seasoning easily. Try adding herbs like rosemary or oregano for a fresh taste. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different spices, like cumin or curry powder. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking for a perfect flavor. Beef stew pairs well with many side dishes. You can serve it with crusty bread for dipping. Mashed potatoes or rice are great options too. A simple green salad adds freshness. Steamed vegetables can also complement the stew nicely. Choose whatever you enjoy most! In this blog post, we covered how to make an easy beef stew. We looked at the key ingredients, like beef chuck, broth, and veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the stew to build rich flavor. We also explored tips for perfect texture and seasoning. Lastly, I discussed variations and storage info. Remember, beef stew is flexible; make it your own. Enjoy your cooking and share it with family and friends!$

Indulge in this Hearty Comfort Beef Stew that’s perfect for chilly nights! Packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook. Learn how to create a deliciously satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a comforting bowl of stew today! Perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Don’t miss out on this flavorful experience!

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 cups beef broth

2 large carrots, sliced

2 medium potatoes, diced

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In batches, brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and paprika, cooking for an additional minute to meld the flavors.

Return the browned beef to the pot and add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, bay leaves, and beef broth. Bring to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover, allowing the stew to simmer for 1.5 - 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld. Stir occasionally.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 2 hrs | 6 servings