Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe

This beef stew is simply irresistible and makes for a perfect dinner any night of the week. Juicy beef slow-cooked to perfection, is simmered in a rich and flavorful broth with fresh carrots, hearty potatoes, and sweet peas. This meal is a staple in our home, and for good reason. It's easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, so you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without the hassle of slaving over a hot stove.

Ingredients and Recipe Notes

Beef: use beef stew meat or beef chuck.

Vegetables: traditional beef stew needs chunky pieces of potatoes, onions, and carrots. I added defrosted frozen peas for a hint of sweetness.

Red wine: use a dry red wine. Of course, as you all know, I do not drink alcohol. Instead, I used an alcohol-removed dry red wine.

Spices: oregano adds earthiness and fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley will be used to garnish and help bring this beef stew back to life.

Tomato paste: even with all of the vegetables and natural beef broth provided by the meat, I think that a tablespoon of tomato paste adds a rich and flavorful base to the stew.

Tip: If you're a mom with young kids, you probably have a bag of baby-peeled carrots in your refrigerator. Use them up in this recipe. Get the baby carrot and slice it in half at an angle to give a diagonal effect.

How to Make Beef Stew

Cooking beef stew is so easy because it requires minimal preparation and can be cooked in one pot. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and hearty dish.

Start by Browning the Meat.

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it's heated, drizzle in olive oil. Carefully place the beef chuck (or stew pieces) into the hot oil. Leave it alone once you put it down. Fry until the bottom is nice and golden.

Flip and repeat until the other side is equally golden. This browning process helps to develop a rich flavor and adds depth to the dish. It also creates a beautiful caramelization on the meat, which enhances its overall flavor.

Once both sides are evenly golden, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside, ready to be added back in later for further cooking.

Add the Aromatics

After removing the beef from the pot, add the onions, thin-sliced garlic, salt and pepper. Fry back and fork with a large spoon until the onions have slightly softened.

Once the onions have softened, add the oregano, and tomato paste. Stir and fry until the onion is coated in the tomato paste.

Note: It's important to cook the onions with garlic and herbs to enhance the flavor of the dish. The combination of sauteed onions, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs creates a delicious and savory base. Additionally, cooking the onions down helps to soften their texture and release their natural sweetness, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste of this amazing beef stew. 

Add the Broth and Slow Cook

Deglaze the pan with the red wine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, scraping any bits on the bottom of the pot. Then add beef or vegetable broth to the pot, cover with a lid, and cook until the beef chuck is nearly fork-tender about 1-2 hours on medium-low heat.

Once the meat is nearly tender but still has some resistance, add the potatoes, carrots, and peas. Finally, cover the pot with a lid and cook for an additional 40 minutes or until the meat is able to break apart with ease and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve this amazing beef stew with warm crusty bread or rice on the side.

How to Store

Store in a refrigerator for up to 3 days. Label the container with the date before storing it in the fridge. This will help you track the age of leftovers and ensure safe consumption.

More Crave-Worthy Dinners

Cider Roasted Chicken and Potatoes. This supper recipe features roasted chicken and potatoes with an apple cider-based rub, infused with spices like paprika, garlic, and oregano.

Best Homemade Chili Recipe. This chili features ground beef simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce infused with garlic and spices.

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