Savory Slow-Cooked Beef Stew

$- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 carrots, peeled and sliced - 3 potatoes, cubed - 3 cups beef broth - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste For a great beef stew, you need good, hearty ingredients. The beef chuck is the star of this dish. It has enough fat to keep the meat tender and juicy. You can cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Onions and garlic bring a base of flavor. They add depth and aroma to the stew. Vegetables are also key. Carrots give sweetness, while potatoes add creaminess. I like to use firm potatoes that hold their shape. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness at the end. They cook quickly and brighten the dish. The seasonings are simple but powerful. Dried thyme and rosemary add warmth and earthiness. A splash of Worcestershire sauce brings a savory note. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. This helps balance the flavors. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish Olive oil is my go-to for cooking beef stew. It has a nice flavor and helps brown the beef. Browning the meat adds rich flavors that make the stew amazing. Garnishing with fresh parsley is an easy way to elevate your dish. It adds a bright color and fresh taste. Just chop it finely and sprinkle on top before serving. Enjoy your lovely, hearty stew! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. Make sure to brown the beef in batches. This helps get a nice crust. Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add 1 large chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for an extra 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. Mix well so the beef is coated. Pour in 3 cups of beef broth. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Add 4 sliced carrots and 3 cubed potatoes. Then, add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally. About 10 minutes before you serve, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your chance to make it perfect. Serve hot and enjoy! Choosing the Right Cut of Beef For a great beef stew, use beef chuck. This cut has good fat and flavor. It becomes tender after slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin. They do not break down well and can dry out. Tips for Browning Meat Browning the beef adds depth to your stew. Heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Cook the beef in batches to avoid steaming. Leave space between pieces for better browning. Once brown, remove it from the pot. This step is key for flavor. How to Achieve Tender Beef Cook your stew low and slow. A gentle simmer for about two hours works wonders. If the beef is still tough, give it more time. You want it to melt in your mouth. What to Do if Cooking Time is Too Short If you're in a hurry, use a pressure cooker. It can cook the stew in about 30 minutes. You can also cut the beef into smaller pieces. This helps it cook faster. Just be careful not to rush the flavors. Pro Tips Brown the Meat Well: Ensure the beef is well-browned before simmering to develop rich, deep flavors in your stew. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the taste of your stew. If using dried, adjust the quantity as they're more concentrated. Let It Rest: Allow the stew to cool slightly before serving; the flavors meld together beautifully during this time. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a unique twist on your beef stew. {{image_2}} Alternative Vegetables You can switch out some veggies in your stew. Instead of carrots, try parsnips or turnips. Instead of potatoes, you can use sweet potatoes for a twist. You can also add mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Feel free to mix in bell peppers or green beans for color and crunch. Different Cuts of Meat While beef chuck is great, you can use other cuts too. Brisket offers a rich flavor but needs longer cooking time. Round steak is leaner and can work well if cooked right. For a fun twist, try lamb for a unique taste. Just remember to adjust your cooking time based on the cut you choose. Using Red Wine or Beer Adding red wine or beer can deepen the stew's flavor. A cup of red wine adds richness, while a dark beer gives a nice malty taste. Just let it cook down with the beef for the best flavors. Adding Herbs and Spices Fresh herbs can make your stew shine. Try adding bay leaves while it simmers. You can also add fresh thyme or rosemary instead of dried. For a little heat, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes. Experiment with spices to find your favorite mix! To reheat beef stew, the stove is best. Pour the stew into a pot. Heat it slowly over low heat. Stir often to keep it smooth. You can also use a microwave. Place stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst. This keeps the stew warm and tasty. You can freeze hearty beef stew for later. First, let it cool down. Once cool, put it in airtight containers. Leave some space at the top. The stew will expand when frozen. Label each container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw frozen stew, place it in the fridge overnight. It will be ready by lunch. If you need it fast, use the microwave. Heat on low power until soft. Reheat it on the stove as mentioned earlier. Enjoy your delicious stew any time! How long can I store beef stew in the fridge? You can store beef stew in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Just let it cool first. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make beef stew in a slow cooker. Just brown the beef first. Then, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method gives you tender meat and rich flavors. What to serve with hearty beef stew? Beef stew pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with crusty bread for dipping. Mashed potatoes also work great. If you want something lighter, a fresh salad is a nice choice. Enjoy it however you like! You now know how to create a hearty beef stew from start to finish. We discussed the key ingredients, from beef chuck to tasty seasonings. I provided clear steps for cooking, ensuring your meat and veggies shine. Remember to adjust flavors and textures for your perfect stew. Explore variations with different meats and wines. Store leftovers wisely to enjoy later. With these tips, you'll impress anyone with your cooking. Enjoy your delicious creation!$

Savory Slow-Cooked Beef Stew

A hearty and flavorful beef stew slow-cooked to perfection.

Print Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, cubed
3 cups beef broth
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well.
Pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally.
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keyword beef stew, comfort food, slow-cooked