Best Ever Beef Stew: A Comforting Favorite

There’s something magical about the aroma of savory beef simmering on the stove, filling the house with warmth and comfort. This Best Ever Beef Stew is everything you crave on a chilly evening, a favorite that’s always on our dinner table. It’s the perfect blend of tender beef and hearty vegetables, all lovingly melded together.

Picture your grandma’s comforting stew, but with a twistthis version is unbelievably simple and oh-so-satisfying. You’ll toss together chunks of beef with carrots, potatoes, and a rich broth that sings with flavor. It uses everyday ingredients from your pantry, and best of all? It’s as cozy as a blanket on a rainy day.

I started making this stew during the first winter we moved into our home, about five years ago. I remember the first bowl I served; my husband sighed in contentment after the first bite. The secret? A splash of red wine to deepen the flavor. With a decade of recipe testing under my belt, I can confidently say this stew will become a cherished family favorite, just like it is in ours.

Olivia Farnsworth

Best Ever Beef Stew for a Delicious Cozy Meal

Nothing beats a bowl of Best Ever Beef Stew — a hearty tender beef vegetable stew loaded with golden potatoes, sweet carrots, and a rich, flavorful broth. This gluten free beef stew root vegetables recipe is perfect for cold nights and those craving a comforting meal that tastes like it simmered all day long. Ideal for easy family dinners or meal prep, this stew brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 2 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into chunks
• 4 yellow potatoes peeled and chopped
• 4 carrots peeled and chopped
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

 

1. Toss the beef chunks with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sear the beef pieces in batches until browned on every side. Remove and set aside.
3. Using the same pot, cook the diced onion until it turns clear and soft, then add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute.
4. Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for two minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in a small amount of beef broth to loosen and deglaze the pot.
5. Add the beef back into the pot along with chopped potatoes, carrots, the rest of the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.
6. Increase the heat to bring everything to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for two to two and a half hours until the beef is tender.
7. Remove bay leaves from the stew, taste it, and season with more salt or pepper if needed before serving.

Notes

• For richer taste, brown the beef in small portions to avoid crowding and steaming. The stew flavors deepen after resting overnight. Cool fully before freezing in airtight containers; keep frozen for up to three months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The savory combination of tender beef, rich broth, and hearty vegetables makes each spoonful a warm embrace.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this stew is perfect for busy evenings or lazy weekends.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day!
• Family Approved: A wholesome dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Key Ingredients & Tools

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the showthis cut becomes meltingly tender.
• Veggies: Yellow potatoes and sweet carrots add sweetness and heartiness.
• Flavors: Onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme contribute to a flavorful broth.
• Kitchen Tools: A large pot for browning and simmering, and a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring.

How It Works: Step-by-Step

1. Coat the Beef: In a bowl, coat your beef chunks with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the beef on all sides in batches. Don’t rush this stepit builds flavor!
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the diced onion until it’s soft and translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a couple of minutes to enhance the flavor.
5. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
6. Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot, adding in the potatoes, carrots, remaining broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.
7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours.
8. Finish Up: Once done, remove the bay leaves and taste your stew. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking before serving.

Troubleshooting & Tweaks

Sometimes, cooking can be a little unpredictable, but that’s all part of the cozy adventure! Here are a few tips:

• Too Thick? If your stew is thicker than you’d like, stir in a little more beef broth until it’s the desired consistency.
• Not Flavorful Enough? Don’t hesitate to add a pinch more salt or Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in seasonal veggieslike parsnips or green beansfor a personal touch!

Serving & Storing Your Stew

Warm bowls of stew are perfect for family dinners, but leftovers are just as important! Here’s how to enjoy your stew:

• Serving: Ladle into deep bowls, perhaps with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
• Storing: Allow to cool, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Wrap-Up

Your journey with this Best Ever Beef Stew is bound to be rewarding, whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging in a cozy night in. I can’t wait for you to try ityou might just find it’s as comforting and cherished as the ones from your childhood!

Expert Says

For the BEST EVER BEEF STEW, it’s crucial to sear the meat first. This not only enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction but also helps to lock in moisture. Using a mix of hearty vegetables and herbs will deepen the stew’s complexity, making it a comforting and nutritious dish.

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The Best Ever Beef Stew: A Labor of Love

Creating the best ever beef stew took me countless attempts and a few kitchen mishaps along the way. I learned the importance of letting the meat brown just right and that a splash of red wine brings out the cozy flavors. Now, this stew is a comforting hug in a bowl that my family looks forward to on chilly evenings.

FAQs ( Best Ever Beef Stew )

Conclusion

This Best Ever Beef Stew is everything you need for a cozy night in! With minimal prep and a heavenly aroma that fills your home, it’s comfort in a bowl. Trust me, your loved ones will adore it!

For a delicious twist, try adding diced mushrooms or a splash of balsamic vinegar! And if you have leftovers (which is rare!), just pop it in the microwave for a quick reheatno one will know it’s a second meal! A little trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen.

I’d love to hear how your stew turns out! Did you grow up with a recipe like this? Share your cozy moment or save this for a family dinner. Here’s to warm bowls and cherished memories around the table!