There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of beef stew to comfort you on a chilly evening. This beef stew recipe is packed with tender chunks of meat, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors that come together to create a satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and brings everyone around the dinner table.
Imagine a fragrant pot simmering away on your stove, filling your home with the mouthwatering aroma of beef, carrots, and herbs. This beef stew isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in.
The Heart of Comfort Food: Beef Stew
A steaming bowl of beef stew is a classic dish that captures the essence of comfort food. With tender chunks of beef, bright orange carrots, and golden potatoes, it embodies warmth and satisfaction.
The rich and savory broth is a feast for the senses, glistening enticingly under the light, making it hard to resist. This dish is not just a meal; it represents a gathering of loved ones around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter.
Why Beef Stew Makes a Perfect Meal
Beef stew is an ideal choice for chilly evenings when a hearty dish is desired. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, robust taste that is both satisfying and comforting.
With each spoonful, you will encounter a delightful combination of textures—from the tender beef to the slightly crunchy carrots and soft, fluffy potatoes. This stew truly brings together the best of hearty cooking.
Ingredients That Shine
This delightful beef stew is made with simple yet flavorful ingredients that elevate the dish. Tender beef chuck provides a juicy base, while the vibrant vegetables add color and nutrition.
The addition of garlic and herbs, like thyme, infuses the broth with aromatic flavors that enhance the overall taste. A dash of tomato paste deepens the richness, making every bite a savory delight.
The Cooking Process: A Labor of Love
Preparing beef stew involves a few simple steps that yield incredible results. Starting with browning the beef creates a delicious foundation that sets the stage for the entire dish.
Sautéing onions and garlic before adding the vegetables allows those flavors to bloom, ensuring every component of your stew is infused with tasty goodness. The simmering stage is where the magic happens, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform into a soulful meal.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Stew
Beef stew is best served hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color. A slice of crusty bread is the perfect companion, inviting you to soak up the flavorful broth in each bite.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some pickled vegetables, adding a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, beef stew is sure to impress.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This beef stew recipe provides a fulfilling meal for six servings, with each bowl containing approximately 350 calories. It offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome choice for any dinner.
With 25 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this dish is not just comforting but also nourishing, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Beef Stew
This beef stew is a robust, savory dish that features succulent beef, hearty potatoes, and colorful vegetables. The slow-cooked flavors meld perfectly, resulting in a rich and hearty stew that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, diced potatoes, carrots, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Discard the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
