Classic Beef Stew: A Hearty, Comforting One-Pot Meal

This Classic Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that will warm you up on even the coldest days. Slow-simmered to perfection, this stew is packed with flavor thanks to aromatic herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. It’s a timeless recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings at home.

Pair it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth or serve it over a bed of rice for a satisfying, filling meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Flavorful Broth: A perfect balance of beefy depth, savory tomato paste, and fragrant herbs.
2. Tender Beef: Slow cooking ensures the beef chuck becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
3. One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making prep and cleanup a breeze.
4. Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Beef:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes: A flavorful, budget-friendly cut that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the beef before searing to lock in flavor.

For the Vegetables:

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds sweetness and color to the stew.
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered: Starchy and hearty, they soak up the flavorful broth.
• 1 large onion, diced: A base ingredient that enhances the stew’s savory depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic richness to the dish.

For the Broth:

• 4 cups beef broth: The foundation of the stew, adding richness and body.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds a subtle tanginess and deepens the color of the broth.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the stew.

For Seasoning:

• 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp dried rosemary: Classic herbs that bring warmth and earthiness to the dish.

For Cooking:

• 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to sear the beef and sauté the aromatics, building layers of flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef in batches, searing each piece until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Do not overcrowd the pot to ensure proper browning.
4. Remove the seared beef and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic to the leftover oil and beef drippings.
2. Sauté over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until the onions are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

1. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for 1 minute to release their flavors.
2. Add the Worcestershire sauce and return the seared beef to the pot.
3. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful browned bits.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

1. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
2. Simmer gently for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, to allow the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

1. After 1.5 hours, add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and continue simmering for another 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Step 6: Adjust and Serve

1. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2. For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking and simmer until thickened.
3. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad.

Chef Tips for Success

1. Sear the Beef Properly: Browning the beef adds depth and complexity to the stew. Be sure not to skip this step!
2. Cut Vegetables Evenly: Uniformly sized carrots and potatoes ensure even cooking and a well-balanced bite.
3. Low and Slow Cooking: Simmering the stew gently allows the beef to become tender while the flavors develop.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot when adding the broth—these are packed with flavor!
5. Let It Rest: Allow the stew to sit off the heat for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors fully meld.

Customizations and Variations

This classic beef stew is a great base recipe that can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:

Vegetable Additions:

• Add parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for extra variety.
• Stir in peas or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and texture.

Flavor Boosters:

• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the broth for depth and tanginess.
• Include a bay leaf or a pinch of smoked paprika for additional layers of flavor.

Make It Gluten-Free:

• Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and skip the thickening step, or use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.

Use a Slow Cooker:

• Sear the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

What to Serve with Classic Beef Stew

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that let its rich flavors shine. Here are a few ideas:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the stew over rice or quinoa for a filling, gluten-free option.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an indulgent twist, spoon the stew over creamy mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an estimate for one serving of Classic Beef Stew (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes! Beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Can I freeze beef stew?

Absolutely! Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

3. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, other cuts like beef brisket, short ribs, or stew meat will work well. Just ensure they are cooked low and slow for tender results.

4. Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sear the beef using the sauté function, then follow the recipe as written. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes.

5. How do I thicken the stew naturally?

You can mash a few of the cooked potatoes or add a handful of uncooked barley to thicken the broth without using cornstarch.

Conclusion

This Classic Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and packed with bold, savory flavors. With tender beef, soft carrots and potatoes, and a rich broth, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to satisfy. Perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this recipe is easy to customize and even easier to enjoy. Serve it with your favorite sides and savor every delicious bite! 🥩🥕🍲

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