Hearty Beef Stew – A Comforting One-Pot Meal

Introduction
Nothing beats a warm and hearty beef stew on a chilly day. Packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, this dish is a timeless classic. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting treat. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the best beef stew right at home.

Ingredients

For the beef:

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the stew:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 3 large carrots (sliced into chunks)
• 3 medium potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 stalks celery (sliced)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced, optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef in batches, searing each piece until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Build the Stew Base

1. Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze it, releasing all the flavorful browned bits.
2. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir well.

Step 4: Add the Beef and Vegetables

1. Return the seared beef to the pot.
2. Add the carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms (if using). Stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

1. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5–2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
2. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the bay leaf and ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

Tips for Success

• Use well-marbled beef chuck for the best flavor and tenderness.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Conclusion
This hearty beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender meat, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth. Simple to make yet bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect one-pot meal for any occasion. Cozy up with a bowl of this delicious stew and enjoy the ultimate comfort.

Call to Action
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Share your photos and tips in the comments below or tag us on social media. Save this recipe for your next family dinner – it’s sure to be a hit!