Simple Beef Stew Recipe
Warm, comforting, and bursting with savory flavors, this simple beef stew recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings.
Made with tender chunks of beef, a medley of vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this hearty stew will fill your home with delicious aromas and satisfy your taste buds.
Follow this easy recipe to create a comforting meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups sliced celery
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew. Once browned, transfer the meat to a plate and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
3. Add Broth and Herbs:
- Return the browned beef to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour. This will allow the beef to become tender and infuse the broth with flavor.
4. Add Vegetables:
- After simmering for an hour, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and sliced celery to the pot.
- Continue simmering for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender.
5. Optional: Add Peas and Season:
- If using frozen peas, add them to the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
6. Serve:
- Discard the bay leaves.
- Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, if desired.
7. Enjoy:
- Serve your hearty beef stew with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.
This simple beef stew recipe will warm your soul and fill your belly. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly day or whenever you crave a comforting, homemade meal. Enjoy!
