Best Ever Beef Stew

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Introduction:
Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days and hearty appetites. This Best Ever Beef Stew recipe is rich, flavorful, and packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a savory broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
  • 1 cup (240ml) red wine (optional)
  • 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz or 400g) diced tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Optional Additions:

  • 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  • Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
  • Add the beef to the pot in batches, searing on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  • If using, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and start to brown.

3. Deglaze the Pot:

  • Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Combine Ingredients:

  • Return the browned beef to the pot.
  • Add the sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, and black pepper.
  • Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.

5. Simmer the Stew:

  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well developed.

6. Thicken the Stew:

  • In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a little cold water to make a slurry.
  • Stir the slurry into the stew to thicken the broth. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Add Final Ingredients:

  • Stir in the frozen peas (and green beans, if using) and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

8. Serve:

  • Remove the bay leaves from the stew.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Tips for Success:

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
  • Sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can cause the meat to steam instead of brown.
  • For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef cubes in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking.

Nutritional Estimate:
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

  • Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (based on 8 servings)
  • Total Fat: Approximately 15-20g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 6-8g
  • Cholesterol: Approximately 90-110mg
  • Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 5-7g
  • Sugars: Approximately 5-6g
  • Protein: Approximately 30-35g

Recommendation:
Best Ever Beef Stew is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This hearty and comforting stew is perfect for meal prep and will surely be a hit at your dinner table!

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