Classic Hearty Beef Stew

Name: Homestyle Hearty Beef Comfort
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 165 min
Total time: 195 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (2 pound) boneless beef round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes.; Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste.; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika.; 1 tablespoon canola oil.; 3 cups chopped onion.; 6 cloves garlic, minced.; 4 tablespoons tomato paste.; 2 cups dry red wine.; 1 tablespoon dried thyme.; 1 tablespoon dried rosemary.; 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence.; 3 bay leaves.; 2 cups beef broth, or more as needed.; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.; 3 cups chopped carrots.; 3 cups cubed Yukon Gold potatoes.; 1 cup fresh peas.; 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary.; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or to taste.

Heartwarming bowl of classic beef stew with chunks of beef, baby potatoes, carrots, peas, fresh herbs, and crusty bread on the side. | Kallaxa.com

Savor every spoonful of Classic Hearty Beef Stew, the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights and family gatherings.

The Timeless Appeal Of Beef Stew#

So, the other day, I'm chatting with my buddy Mike, and we get to jawing about comfort food. You know what's at the top of that list? Yep, you guessed it—beef stew. There's just something about that rich, meaty goodness that's like a bear hug for your stomach. Anyway, let's dive into why this dish is the culinary equivalent of your favorite old sweater.

The Nostalgia Factor

Remember when Mom used to simmer that stew on the stove all day long? The smell would just waft through the house, saying 'home' louder than a shouting realtor. Takes you right back, doesn't it?

It's a Global Phenomenon

And it's not just here in the good ol' US of A. This stuff is universal! From the French 'boeuf bourguignon' to the Hungarian 'goulash', everybody's got their twist on it. Pretty cool, huh?

Choosing The Best Ingredients#

Alright folks, let's talk shop about what you're tossing into the pot. You don't just grab any old thing from the fridge. Oh no, we're aiming for the stars with this stew. So here's the skinny on picking the primo stuff.

Meat Matters

First up, you want chunks of beef that are ready to fall apart after a good long cook. Think 'chuck roast', my friends—marbled to perfection.

The Veggie Line-Up

And for the love of flavor, don't skimp on the veggies. Carrots, potatoes, onions, maybe some turnip if you're feeling fancy. They're the backbone of this operation!

Mastering The Cooking Process#

Okay, grab your aprons and let's march into the battlefield that is your kitchen. We're not just making stew, we're crafting an edible masterpiece! And it all boils down (pun intended) to technique.

The Art of Browning

Listen up, this part's crucial: you've GOT to brown that beef well. It's all about building those deep, complex flavors. We're talking caramelized goodness that'll knock your socks off.

Slow and Low is the Tempo

And once you've got everything in the pot, it's a slow simmer. Don't you dare rush it. Stew is like a fine wine—it needs time to develop its full potential.

The Secret To A Rich, Thick Gravy#

We're on the gravy train now, chugging towards 'Flavor Town'. You want that gravy thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick it's auditioning to be a custard. It's all about balance, my friends.

Thickening Agents

Flour, cornstarch, arrowroot—these are your allies in the war against watery stew. A little goes a long way, so wield your thickener with the wisdom of a stew sage.

Customizing Your Stew#

You know, not to toot my own horn, but I'm a bit of an artiste when it comes to stew. And like any good artist, I say make it your own! There's no one-size-fits-all for stew.

Spice It Up

Want a kick? Throw in some paprika or a pinch of cayenne. Feeling earthy? Some rosemary or thyme might be more your jam.

Personal Veggie Mix

Then there's the veggie mix. Some like it chunky; others prefer it a bit more refined. Find your veggie vibe and run with it.

Serving And Pairing Suggestions#

Alright, you've cooked up this big ol' pot of deliciousness, and now you've gotta figure out what to do with it. No worries, I've got you covered with some serving tips that'll have your guests begging for seconds.

On the Side

Consider some crusty bread for dipping, or maybe a side salad if you're feeling virtuous. And don't forget the beverages—a robust red wine or a hearty ale complements the stew beautifully.

About Recipe

Recipe By: Ella Savory

Category: Beef

Last Updated: 2024-02-02

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

Cook Time: 165 Minutes

Total Time: 195 Minutes

Yield: 8 Servings

Next: Hearty Beef Guinness Stew

Previuos: Savory Homemade Beef Tamales

Homestyle Hearty Beef Comfort Ingredients

01 1 (2 pound) boneless beef round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes.

02 Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

03 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.

04 1 tablespoon smoked paprika.

05 1 tablespoon canola oil.

06 3 cups chopped onion.

07 6 cloves garlic, minced.

08 4 tablespoons tomato paste.

09 2 cups dry red wine.

10 1 tablespoon dried thyme.

11 1 tablespoon dried rosemary.

12 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence.

13 3 bay leaves.

14 2 cups beef broth, or more as needed.

15 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.

16 3 cups chopped carrots.

17 3 cups cubed Yukon Gold potatoes.

18 1 cup fresh peas.

19 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary.

20 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or to taste.

Homestyle Hearty Beef Comfort Step By Step

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Season beef with salt, pepper, flour, and paprika. Brown the beef in batches with canola oil in a Dutch oven.

Step 02

Add onions, season with salt and pepper, and caramelize. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant. Brown the tomato paste, pour in red wine, and deglaze the pan.

Step 03

Mix in dried thyme, rosemary, herbes de Provence, bay leaves, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil before returning the beef to the pot.

Step 04

Cover with the lid and braise in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then add chopped carrots and potatoes, with extra broth if needed, and braise for another 30 minutes.

Step 05

After discarding the bay leaves, stir in fresh peas, rosemary, and thyme. Serve the stew hot.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: ~
Total Fat: ~
Total Carbohydrate: ~
Protein: ~

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