Hearty Beef Stew Recipe: A Warm Winter Comfort Food

Hearty Beef Stew is a beloved classic that can warm your home and nourish the body during cold winter months. This comforting dish takes little time to prepare but requires slow simmering to develop rich flavors. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s both easy and satisfying, beef stew is packed with protein and hearty vegetables. This recipe serves four people and can be prepared in under an hour.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless chuck steak
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 ribs of celery, chopped
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth or stock
• 1 cup (150g) pearl onions, peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish

Preparation Steps:

Begin by browning your beef. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Pat dry the chuck steak with paper towels and then sear it on all sides until browned. Remove the meat from the pot as you go to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of browning.

Once the beef is browned, add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs into the pot. Cook for about 5-6 minutes or until the vegetables just begin to soften slightly. This step adds a ton of flavor that will meld with the stew as it simmers.

Next, stir in the beef broth and pearl onions. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing heat and letting it simmer gently for at least one hour, stirring occasionally. The longer you let this simmer on low heat, the more tender the meat becomes and the richer its flavor will be.

Tips for Perfect Beef Stew

• Use Bone-In Meat: For extra flavor, use bone-in chuck steak as it provides gelatin which adds body to the stew. Remove the bones before serving though!
• Salt and Pepper Early: Seasoning early helps draw out moisture from the meat during cooking, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Don’t Skip the Simmer Time: While it’s tempting to rush this process, slow and steady wins the race here. The longer you let everything simmer together, the deeper the flavors will be.

Towards the end of cooking time, stir in your flour until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt or pepper as necessary for a perfect balance between savory and sweet. Finally, garnish with fresh herbs before serving immediately to enjoy all that rich, comforting flavor right away.

Cooking Time: 1 Hour

Serve this stew in warm bowls, accompanied by steamed vegetables like green beans or cauliflower for a complete meal. If you want some extra texture and flavor, consider adding a slice of crusty bread on the side to sop up the delicious broth.

Hearty Beef Stew: A Family Favorite

This dish is not only delightful but also versatile. Leftovers can be repurposed into sandwiches or stirred into mashed potatoes for another meal variation. Its simplicity makes it a great choice for kids who may initially turn their nose up at less familiar vegetables; the rich, comforting flavor often wins them over.

Storage and Reheating:

If you choose to make this recipe in larger quantities, consider freezing portions of your leftovers in meal prep containers. These can be easily thawed out for quick reheats on busy evenings or even packed into lunches for a nutritious workday option. Stew can also be enjoyed cold the next day as a hearty salad component.

With its rich, satisfying taste and ease of preparation, Hearty Beef Stew is more than just another recipe—it's a culinary tradition that nourishes body and soul alike. Whether you're hosting family dinner or simply curling up with your favorite book on a cozy evening, this dish promises deliciousness and warmth.

Enjoy your meal!

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

• Calories: 500
• Fat: 28g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fiber: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 39g