There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm and hearty beef stew to comfort your soul on a chilly evening. This easy homemade beef stew recipe is packed with tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough to make and delivers incredible flavors. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and satisfying homemade beef stew that will become a family favorite. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of simmering stew!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and toss to coat evenly.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef stew meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step helps to seal in the flavors and create a rich, caramelized exterior on the meat.
- Remove the browned meat from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). The liquid should cover the meat and vegetables. If needed, add more broth or water to ensure everything is submerged.
- Stir in the bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. These herbs will infuse the stew with their aromatic flavors. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the stew and stir gently. This will ensure the peas are cooked just right and retain their vibrant color.
- Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the homemade beef stew in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color. Pair it with crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This easy homemade beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights and cozy gatherings. With tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s a satisfying dish that will warm your heart and nourish your body. The combination of aromatic herbs and slow simmering creates a stew that is bursting with rich flavors. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers the next day, as the flavors only get better with time. Whip up this comforting classic in your own kitchen and savor every spoonful of this delicious homemade beef stew. It’s a meal that brings warmth and comfort to your table, making it the perfect choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.