01Gathering Ingredients

  • To make a beef stew, you will need the following ingredients:
  • - 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into cubes
  • - 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • - 1 onion, diced
  • - 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • - 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • - 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • - 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • - 4 cups of beef broth
  • - 1 cup of red wine (optional)
  • - 2 bay leaves
  • - 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • - Salt and pepper to taste

02Preparing the Beef

  • Before cooking the beef stew, it's important to properly prepare the beef for optimal flavor and tenderness. Here's how:
  • Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides. This step helps to develop a rich flavor in the stew.
  • Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

03Cooking the Stew

  • Now that the beef and vegetables are prepared, it's time to cook the stew.
  • Return the browned beef cubes to the pot with the onion and garlic.
  • Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and sliced celery.
  • Pour in the beef broth and red wine. The red wine adds a depth of flavor, but it is optional.
  • Add the bay leaves and dried thyme to the pot.
  • Give everything a good stir, then bring the stew to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
  • Allow the stew to simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  • Remember to stir the stew occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning.
  • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.

04Serving and Enjoying

  • Once the beef stew is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve and enjoy!
  • Remove the bay leaves from the stew before serving.
  • Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped thyme for an extra pop of flavor.
  • Serve the beef stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
  • Leftover stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.

Conclusion

Making a beef stew from scratch may take some time, but the end result is well worth the effort. The combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic seasonings creates a comforting and satisfying dish. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, a homemade beef stew is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a steaming bowl of beef stew on a chilly day.

MethodsDetails
Step 1:Gather all the necessary ingredients for the beef stew.
Step 2:Prepare the beef by seasoning and browning it in a pot.
Step 3:Add the vegetables, beef broth, and seasonings to the pot.
Step 4:Simmer the stew for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
Step 5:Serve the beef stew hot with garnishes and accompaniments.
beef stew
cooking
recipe
comfort food