Classic Beef Stew Comfort (Print)

Hearty beef, vegetables, and savory broth create warming comfort perfect for chilly evenings or relaxing weekends.

# Ingredients:

→ Beef and Preparation

01 - 900 g beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 4 cm cubes
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
05 - 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Aromatics

06 - 1 large onion, diced
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids and Seasonings

08 - 720 ml beef broth, low-sodium recommended
09 - 240 ml dry red wine (optional, or substitute with broth)
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
11 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Vegetables

12 - 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
13 - 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
14 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
15 - 150 g frozen peas (optional, added at the end)

→ Herbs and Garnish

16 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
18 - 2 bay leaves
19 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Steps:

01 - Pat beef dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. In batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides. Set browned beef aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in red wine or additional broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot base. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
05 - Return browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Incorporate carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue simmering with the lid on for 30 to 40 minutes, until beef and vegetables are tender.
07 - If using, stir in frozen peas in the final 5 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot alongside crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For a thicker consistency, mash a few cooked potato pieces into the broth or add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.
02 - Stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
03 - If red wine is unavailable, substitute with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for complexity.