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- 2 lbs beef chuck - 4 carrots - 4 medium potatoes - 1 large onion - 3 garlic cloves - 4 cups beef broth - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 bay leaves - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper When I make classic beef stew, I love using fresh, quality ingredients. The beef chuck is my first choice. It has great flavor and becomes tender when cooked. I cut it into 1-inch cubes, which helps it cook evenly. Next, I add vegetables. I use four carrots, sliced into rounds. They add sweetness and color. I also dice four medium potatoes. They soak up all the tasty broth. You can't forget the onion and garlic! I always use one large onion, diced, and three minced garlic cloves for depth of flavor. For the liquid, I choose four cups of beef broth. It gives the stew richness. Dried thyme adds an earthy taste, while two bay leaves bring a lovely aroma. A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce gives it a nice kick. Finally, I mix in two tablespoons of tomato paste for extra body. I cook everything in two tablespoons of vegetable oil. It helps to brown the beef and sauté the onions. I season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. With these ingredients, I create a hearty, comforting stew that warms the soul. It's a classic dish that brings everyone together. - Dicing the beef and vegetables Start by cutting the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. This size helps the meat cook evenly. Next, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the carrots into round pieces and peel and dice the potatoes. Having all your ingredients ready makes cooking smooth. - Searing the beef cubes Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the beef cubes in batches. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the pieces to brown all sides. This step adds flavor and locks in juices. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate. - Sautéing onions and garlic Using the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. This makes the kitchen smell great and builds a flavor base. - Combining ingredients in the pot Return the browned beef to the pot. Add in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Stir to mix everything well. This ensures all the flavors blend together nicely. - Simmering the stew Carefully pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Be sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those bits are packed with flavor! Add 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The beef will become tender, and flavors will meld beautifully. - Adjusting seasoning Once the stew has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed. This step is vital to ensure every bite is full of flavor. - Garnishing with parsley Finally, ladle the stew into deep bowls. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your delicious beef stew. Using fresh herbs boosts the taste of your beef stew. I love adding fresh thyme or parsley right before serving. Fresh herbs add a bright note that dried herbs can't match. Another way to enhance flavor is by adding a splash of red wine. Red wine adds depth and richness to the stew. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking; it will shine in your dish. Simmering is very important for a great stew. It allows the beef to become tender. Low and slow cooking breaks down the tough fibers in the meat. You want to simmer for at least two hours for the best results. Browning the beef properly is key too. Make sure to sear the meat in batches. This keeps the pot hot, ensuring a good crust forms. That crust adds amazing flavor to your stew. Pair your beef stew with crusty bread. The bread soaks up the rich sauce perfectly. It makes for a complete meal you will love. Serve the stew hot in deep bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it look nice. You can also add a side salad for a fresh contrast. Enjoy your delicious meal! {{image_4}} You can change up the beef in your stew. Try using different cuts like brisket or round. These cuts can add unique flavors and textures. You might also want to add other veggies. Peas, green beans, or mushrooms work great. They add color and nutrients to your dish. If you need a gluten-free stew, skip the Worcestershire sauce. Check for gluten-free alternatives in stores. You can also use a slow cooker for your beef stew. Just brown the meat first. Then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours. To give your stew a regional flair, add spices. Paprika, cumin, or Italian herbs can change the taste. You can also try adding beer or stout. These drinks add depth and richness. Use them to replace some beef broth for a fun twist. To keep your beef stew fresh, cool it to room temperature first. Then, transfer it into airtight containers. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps flavors intact. Store the containers in your fridge. They should stay good for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. This method saves space and preserves quality. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating needs care. The best ways are on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, pour the stew into a pot and heat on low. Stir often to prevent sticking. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps ensure even heating. Avoid boiling the stew, as it can make the meat tough. In the fridge, your beef stew lasts about four days. After that, it may start to spoil. Signs to watch for include an off smell, changes in color, or mold. If you see any of these signs, it's best to throw it out. Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious beef stew safely. To thicken beef stew, you can use cornstarch or flour. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water. Stir this mixture into the stew a little at a time. Cook for a few minutes until it thickens. If you prefer flour, mix it with some water first. Then, add it to the stew and stir well. Another way to thicken is to reduce the cooking liquid. Cook the stew uncovered for a while. This will help evaporate some liquid and make it thicker. Yes, you can make beef stew in advance. It actually tastes better the next day! To do this, cook the stew as usual. Once it cools, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If needed, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up. Yes, you can freeze beef stew. This is a great way to save leftovers. To freeze, let the stew cool completely. Pack it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat or use the microwave. Stir well to ensure it heats evenly. This blog post covers the key ingredients and steps to make a delicious beef stew. You learned how to prepare the meat and veggies, enhance flavors, and explore variations. Whether you want to serve it fresh or store leftovers, I shared useful tips to make your stew great. With these insights, you can create a meal that warms hearts and fills bellies. Take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every bite. Your beef stew will impress everyone at the table!

Classic Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes

Warm up with this Savory Beef Stew Delight that's perfect for chilly days! Discover how to create a hearty dish filled with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors, all simmered to perfection. This comforting stew is easy to make and ideal for family gatherings. Follow our simple step-by-step guide and elevate your mealtime. Click through to explore the recipe and fill your home with delicious aromas!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 carrots, sliced into round pieces

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

4 cups beef broth

2 teaspoons dried thyme

2 bay leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is browned on all sides. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

    Using the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and slightly soft. Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

      Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

        Carefully pour in the beef broth, ensuring to scrape any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Add the dried thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, followed by salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

          Increase the heat to bring the stew to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer comfortably for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking, until the beef is tender and all flavors are well melded.

            After simmering, remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Ladle the stew into serving bowls, ensuring an even distribution of meat and vegetables.

              To finish, generously garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the stew in deep bowls, topped with a vibrant sprinkle of parsley. Enhance the meal by pairing it with slices of crusty bread to soak up the rich flavors of the stew!