Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Beef Stew is a traditional dish that has been cherished for generations due to its rich flavor and comforting texture. This hearty stew is perfect for cold winter nights or when you just want something satisfying after a long day at work.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 2-3 hours, and the number of servings it provides is around 6 people. You'll need these ingredients: beef chuck, carrots, onions, potatoes, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Heat a large Dutch oven or casserole dish over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and brown the beef chuck until it is golden on all sides. Set aside once done. In the same pan, sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.

Once the onions are soft, add the carrots and garlic. Stir these ingredients together for another two to three minutes or until the carrots have softened slightly but still retain a bit of their crunch. Pour in a tablespoon of tomato paste and stir it into the mixture; this will help enhance the natural flavors of your stew.

Now return the browned beef chuck back into the pot along with the thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and enough water or beef broth to cover everything. Stir well before placing the lid on the Dutch oven and transferring it to the preheated oven. Let it simmer for about 2 hours until the meat is tender and falling apart.

While your stew is cooking away in the oven, prepare the potatoes by peeling them and slicing them into bite-sized pieces. After an hour of cooking time has passed, add the sliced potatoes to the pot with the beef and vegetables. Continue cooking for another 1-2 hours until the potatoes are cooked through.

For added flavor, you can also slice some carrots and include those in the pot during the final stages of preparation too. This will ensure that all components come together beautifully, creating an aromatic and delicious dish that everyone will enjoy!

To serve, simply ladle the beef stew into bowls or plates and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while still hot from the oven! This Beef Stew makes a wonderful main course for dinner, but it also pairs nicely as part of a larger meal like when served alongside garlic bread and a crisp salad on the side.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on personal preference – perhaps add more thyme or even a dash of red wine for extra depth. Additionally, if you're looking to make this dish healthier, consider using lower-fat beef or swapping out some of the starchy vegetables like potatoes with root vegetables such as parsnips or rutabaga.

Beef Stew not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients found in lean cuts of meat and plenty of vitamins from the colorful array of vegetables. It’s a great way to use up leftover beef from other dishes too, making it very versatile! Whether you're hosting friends over or simply having a cozy night at home, this Beef Stew recipe will surely become one of your go-to comfort foods.

Remember that while 2-3 hours may sound like quite some time invested in cooking, the result is well worth it. The longer the stew simmers, the more flavorful and tender the meat becomes, giving you a truly satisfying dish to enjoy with family or friends. So grab your ingredients, put on some cozy music, and get started on this delicious Beef Stew!

Hearty Beef Stew

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Brown beef chuck in a Dutch oven.
3. Sauté onions until soft, then add carrots and garlic.
4. Pour tomato paste into the mixture and stir.
5. Add back the browned beef, thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and water or broth.
6. Cover and cook in oven for 2 hours.
7. After one hour, add potatoes to the pot.
8. Serve hot with fresh parsley if desired.

This Beef Stew recipe promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy preparing and eating this warm, comforting dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy!