Amazing Beef Stew
Amazing Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. It features tender, slow-cooked beef combined with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a rich and nourishing meal that satisfies the soul and fills the home with warmth.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American / Classic Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, well-marbled, cut into chunks
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning)
- Prepare the beef: Trim excess fat from your beef chunks and pat them dry to ensure a proper sear for maximum flavor and caramelization.
- Brown the meat: In a heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches until each piece develops a deep brown crust; this locks in juices and enriches the stew’s flavor foundation.
- Sauté the aromatics: Remove the beef and add onions, celery, and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant, which builds a savory base perfect for the stew’s hearty character.
- Deglaze and combine: Add tomato paste and cook briefly, then pour in beef broth, scraping the pot to lift any brown bits left behind — this step layers more complex taste into the stew. Optionally, add a splash of red wine here if desired.
- Simmer with vegetables: Return the beef to the pot, add carrots, potatoes, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, then cover and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the stew and season further if needed, then serve piping hot with your favorite garnish or side for an irresistible meal.
Notes
- Brown beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper searing.
- Slow simmering for 2-3 hours breaks down collagen for tender meat.
- Use fresh rosemary and thyme for the best herbal flavor.
- Stir minimally while simmering to prevent cloudiness and keep textures intact.
- The stew tastes even better the day after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: beef stew, comfort food, slow cooked beef, hearty stew, winter recipe, classic beef stew, family friendly stew