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Best Ever Beef Stew

Best Ever Beef Stew
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The Best Ever Beef Stew is a rich, hearty, and comforting classic dish featuring tender slow-cooked beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this easy-to-make stew melds deep flavors that warm both the heart and home. Adaptable to various preferences, it offers a satisfying and flavorful meal that brings everyone together.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced

Liquids & Broth

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spice)
  • Parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes (alternative root vegetables)
  • Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for gluten-free thickening)
  • Sautéed mushrooms (for extra umami)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Cut the beef chuck into even 1-inch cubes, pat them dry to ensure better browning, then sear in batches over medium-high heat until each piece develops a rich deep brown crust. This locks in juices and adds great depth to the stew’s flavor.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook them until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits left from the beef. This builds a flavorful base for the stew.
  3. Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, stirring and scraping the bottom to loosen and dissolve caramelized bits. These flavor nuggets intensify the stew’s richness.
  4. Add Broth and Tomato Paste: Stir in the beef broth and tomato paste thoroughly, combining everything evenly. The broth forms the body of the stew, while tomato paste adds subtle acidity and thickens the liquid.
  5. Simmer with Herbs: Add bay leaves and fresh thyme sprigs, then return the browned beef to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours until the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  6. Add Potatoes and Finish Cooking: About 45 minutes before the stew is done, add diced potatoes. They soak up the broth and add hearty texture without falling apart.
  7. Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir well and let it rest briefly off the heat to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Pat meat dry before searing for better caramelization.
  • Do not rush browning to develop deep, complex flavors.
  • Simmer low and slow to ensure tender beef and well-developed flavors.
  • Layer ingredients by adding them at different stages for maximum depth.
  • Let the stew rest off heat before serving to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, slow-cooked beef, hearty stew, comfort food, family dinner, gluten-free beef stew

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/best-ever-beef-stew/