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- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 cups beef broth - 3 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a tasty beef stew. First, select high-quality beef chuck. This cut is perfect for stew as it becomes tender during cooking. Look for bright red meat with good marbling. Next, get fresh vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic add flavor and texture. Choose firm carrots and smooth potatoes for the best taste. For seasoning, you need tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf. These add depth to the stew. Use fresh herbs if you can find them. They give a bright taste. Don't forget salt and pepper. Seasoning at each step builds flavor. Lastly, have olive oil for browning the beef and garnishing parsley for a fresh finish. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a warm and comforting beef stew. First, cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. Next, chop your vegetables. Slice the carrots and dice the potatoes. Finally, chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and fast. Start by browning the beef cubes. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until brown on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Now, in the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step adds a nice depth of flavor. Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Cook for a minute to blend the flavors. Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and 1 bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer. Cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally and taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed. When the stew is done, remove the bay leaf. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a nice pop of color. Enjoy your comforting, hearty beef stew! To make your beef stew tender, cook it low and slow. Aim for 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering. This helps break down the meat fibers. Always stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This also helps blend the flavors well. For a richer taste, add a splash of red wine. It adds depth to the stew. You can also include more vegetables like peas or green beans. This boosts the nutrition and flavor while adding color. Serve your beef stew in deep bowls. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping. This makes for a comforting meal. For a homestyle look, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a nice touch and brightens the dish. {{image_2}} You can change the cut of beef for your stew. Try using brisket or round. These cuts can give different flavors and textures. You can also swap out vegetables. Peas or celery can add a new taste. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on what you choose. If you need gluten-free options, pick gluten-free broth. This makes your stew safe for everyone. For a paleo diet, skip the potatoes. Instead, add sweet potatoes or more carrots. This keeps the stew tasty and friendly for paleo eaters. Want a spicy kick? Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This gives warmth and depth to your stew. If you crave something heartier, try adding dumplings. They soak up the stew’s flavor and make each bite a treat. To cool your beef stew, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cool down safely. After that, transfer it to airtight containers. I recommend glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They keep the stew fresh and are easy to reheat. Avoid leaving the stew out for more than two hours to prevent bacteria growth. You can reheat beef stew in several ways. The stovetop is my favorite. Just pour it into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Pour the stew into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To keep the flavor, add a splash of broth if it seems thick. Beef stew lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure it's in an airtight container. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. For best taste, use it within a month. When reheating frozen stew, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture and flavor better. To thicken beef stew, you have a few options. You can use flour or cornstarch. - Flour: Mix flour with a bit of beef broth to form a paste. Stir this into the stew near the end of cooking. - Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with cold water. Add this mixture to the stew and cook for a few more minutes. Both methods will help you achieve that rich, hearty texture. Yes, you can! Slow cooking is a great way to make beef stew. - Adjustments needed: Brown the beef first for more flavor. Then, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. - Recommended cooking times: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This will make the beef very tender and the flavors will blend well. Beef stew pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Side dishes: Try serving it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. - Pairing wines: A good red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the stew nicely. These options will make your meal even more enjoyable. This blog post covered how to make a delicious beef stew. We explored key ingredients, including beef, vegetables, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the stew. We discussed tips for perfecting your recipe and suggested variations for different tastes. Finally, I provided storage info and answered common questions. Remember, a well-made stew brings warmth and comfort. Try these methods, and enjoy a hearty meal with family or friends. Cooking should always be fun and rewarding!

Easy Homestyle Beef Stew

Warm up with this delicious comfort food classic - homestyle beef stew! This hearty recipe features tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for chilly nights, it’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family. Cook up this filling meal in just over two hours, and don’t forget to serve it with crusty bread! Click to explore the full recipe and bring this comforting dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 cups beef broth

3 medium carrots, sliced

3 medium potatoes, diced

1 large onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.

    In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it's translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

      Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, cooking for another minute to enhance the flavors.

        Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.

          Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

            Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish the stew with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 2 hours | 6 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the stew in deep bowls with crusty bread on the side. You can sprinkle more parsley on top for a vibrant touch.