Hearty Beef Stew Recipe 🥩🍲
Warm up with a comforting bowl of hearty beef stew, packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This classic dish is perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Coat the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef pieces in batches and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Saute the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This adds flavor to the stew.
6. Season and Simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Add Peas: Stir in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing them to heat through.
8. Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the stew. Ladle the beef stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Enjoy this hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal! 🥩🍲
