Warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food: Cozy Beef Stew! This hearty dish, simmered to perfection, transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs all melding together in a rich, savory broth that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re looking for a cozy night in or a dish to impress your guests, this stew is the answer. Dive into our recipe and discover how to create a culinary masterpiece that truly embodies the phrase "perfection takes time"!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch pieces and set aside in a bowl. Chop the carrots, dice the potatoes, and chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside as well.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and enhance its flavor.
- Return the seared beef to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated. Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits.
- Add the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After 2 hours, check the beef for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and easy to break apart. If it is not tender enough, continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the beef is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the cozy beef stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your vegetables and beef ahead of time. This way, you can focus on the cooking process without interruptions.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the beef adds depth and richness to the stew, creating a flavor base that’s simply unbeatable.
- Use Quality Broth: A good quality beef broth makes a significant difference. If you can, opt for homemade or a high-quality store-bought option for the best flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your stew before serving. Depending on your broth and personal preference, you may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper.
- Let It Rest: If you have the time, let the stew sit for a bit after cooking. The flavors will meld even more, making it taste even better when you serve it.
- Pair It Right: Serve your stew with crusty bread or over rice to soak up all that delicious broth. A fresh salad on the side adds a nice contrast to the rich stew.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color to your dish, making it more appealing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
