Easy Homemade Beef Stew

Homemade beef stew is a classic comfort food, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a hearty, satisfying meal. This easy recipe combines tender beef, vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s straightforward and can be adapted based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

• Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, and brown on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Add Flour and Liquids:

• Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
• Gradually stir in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

4. Cook the Stew:

• Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is starting to become tender.

5. Add Vegetables:

• Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables and beef are tender.

6. Finish the Stew:

• If using peas, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

7. Serve:

• Serve the beef stew hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Tips for Perfect Beef Stew:

• Browning the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef, as it adds significant depth and richness to the flavor of the stew.
• Simmering: Keep the simmer gentle; a boil can make the beef tough.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the stew, letting it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken.

This easy beef stew is both comforting and filling, making it a great choice for a family meal. Enjoy the process and the delightful flavors!