"Hearty and Comforting: Classic Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Days"

"Hearty and Comforting: Classic Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Days"

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew. This timeless classic is perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply want something filling and flavorful. Beef Stew Recipe With tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, beef stew is a meal that brings warmth to both your body and soul.

The beauty of beef stew lies in its simplicity. While it may take a little time to cook, the preparation is easy and the results are well worth the wait. It's a one-pot wonder that gets better the longer it simmers, allowing the flavors to deepen and the meat to become fall-apart tender.

Ingredients:

• 
  

  2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

  
  


• 
  

  3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  
  


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  Salt and black pepper to taste

  
  


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  3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

  
  


• 
  

  1 large onion, chopped

  
  


• 
  

  3 cloves garlic, minced

  
  


• 
  

  4 cups beef broth

  
  


• 
  

  1 cup red wine (optional but adds great flavor)

  
  


• 
  

  2 tablespoons tomato paste

  
  


• 
  

  1 teaspoon dried thyme

  
  


• 
  

  2 bay leaves

  
  


• 
  

  4 carrots, sliced

  
  


• 
  

  3 potatoes, peeled and cubed

  
  


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  2 celery stalks, sliced

  
  


• 
  

  1 cup frozen peas (optional)

  
  


• 
  

  Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

  
  

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Prepare the beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This step helps create a nice sear and thickens the stew later.

   
   


2. 
   

   Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

   
   


3. 
   

   Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   
   


4. 
   

   Deglaze the pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds great depth to the flavor. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

   
   


5. 
   

   Build the stew: Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

   
   


6. 
   

   Add the vegetables: Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Simmer uncovered for another 30–40 minutes, or until vegetables are fork-tender. If using peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

   
   


7. 
   

   Final touch: Remove bay leaves and check seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

   
   

Beef stew is even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Serve it with crusty bread, over mashed potatoes, or simply enjoy it on its own. This classic beef stew recipe is comforting, flavorful, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen — especially during the colder months.

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