The Best Beef Stew: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating The Best Beef Stew can be a rewarding experience. Here are the steps to guide you through the process:
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes and dice the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- Sear the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, cooking until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Beef Back: Return the browned beef to the pot. Mix well with the onions and garlic.
- Stir in Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the meat mixture, stirring to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
- Mix in Broth and Spices: Pour in the beef broth and add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Bring to a Boil: Turn the heat to high until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, then reduce to low and cover.
- Simmer: Allow the stew to simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Add Vegetables: After the simmering time, add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir and cover again, allowing to cook for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the Stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl and stir it into the stew. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
These steps will ensure you create a flavorful and satisfying beef stew that everyone will love.