Beef stew is a timeless, comforting dish that brings together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful sauce to create a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing it in advance for a busy week, this classic beef stew will fill your home with delicious aromas and leave everyone satisfied.

This recipe serves 4 people and can easily be adjusted to serve more by increasing the quantities. It’s packed with rich flavors from beef, garlic, vegetables, and a sauce infused with tomato, red wine, and savory herbs. With simple steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a restaurant-quality beef stew that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Stew:

Beef: 300g, cut into bite-sized chunks

Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon
Onion: ½, chopped
Potato: ½, cubed

Carrot: 1, peeled and sliced
Mushrooms: To taste, sliced (optional, but adds an earthy flavor)
Peas: A handful, for color and added texture (optional)

For the Sauce:

Beef stock: 200 ml
Tomato sauce: 200 ml
Red wine: 30 ml (optional, but adds richness)

Herb flakes: ½ teaspoon (use a blend like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
Laurel leaf (Bay leaf): 1, to infuse the stew with aroma
Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon, for a tangy, savory flavor

Sugar: 1 teaspoon, to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce
Water: 100 ml, to adjust the consistency of the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the onion, peel and cube the potato, peel and slice the carrot, and slice the mushrooms (if using). You can also set aside a handful of peas to be added later.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium-high heat.
Add the 300g of beef chunks, season with salt and pepper, and brown them on all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Searing the beef helps to lock in the juices and adds a rich flavor to the stew.
Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Next, add the potato, carrot, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté the vegetables for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow them to begin softening.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the 200 ml of beef stock, 200 ml of tomato sauce, 30 ml of red wine, ½ teaspoon of herb flakes, 1 bay leaf, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 100 ml of water. Stir to combine.

Pour the sauce mixture into the pot with the vegetables.

Step 5: Add the Beef and Simmer

Return the browned beef to the pot, stirring to combine it with the sauce and vegetables.
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook slowly for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and make sure the sauce doesn’t reduce too much. Add more water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.

Step 6: Add Peas and Adjust Seasoning

After about 40 minutes of simmering, stir in the peas and continue cooking for the remaining time until the peas are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this hearty beef stew with warm crusty bread, over mashed potatoes, or alongside rice for a complete meal. The rich flavors of the sauce combined with the tender beef and vegetables create a comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days or cozy nights.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):

Calories: 300 kcal
Protein: 20g

Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g

Sodium: 700mg

Cooking Tips:

For a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to allow the liquid to reduce. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the stew to thicken.
If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of additional beef stock or water.

For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for a deeper, umami-rich taste.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate: Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Freeze: This stew also freezes well. Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
- A: Yes, after searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the sauce and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
- A: Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as celery, parsnips, or even sweet potatoes to customize the stew to your liking.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
- A: Yes, you can use other cuts of meat such as lamb or pork, or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken and pork may cook faster than beef.

Q: What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
- A: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or a mixture of both to mimic the tangy and savory flavor.

Conclusion:

This classic beef stew is the perfect recipe to warm up your home and your heart. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce creates a dish that’s not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a special family dinner or simply looking for a cozy, home-cooked meal, this beef stew is sure to be a hit. Plus, with easy storage and reheating options, you can enjoy it for days to come.

Enjoy this hearty stew with your favorite sides, and savor the flavors of a dish that’s been loved for generations!