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**Best Ever Beef Stew: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe**
When it comes to hearty comfort food, nothing beats a bowl of homemade beef stew. This Best Ever Beef Stew recipe brings together tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out and makes any day feel special. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this classic beef stew is sure to be a favorite. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so delicious and how you can make it at home!
### Ingredients
To make the Best Ever Beef Stew, you’ll need:
– **2 lbs beef stew meat**, cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast or round roast works well)
– **3 tablespoons all-purpose flour**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **1 large onion**, diced
– **3 cloves garlic**, minced
– **4 cups beef broth**
– **1 cup red wine** (optional, adds depth of flavor)
– **2 tablespoons tomato paste**
– **1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce**
– **4 large carrots**, peeled and sliced into chunks
– **3 medium potatoes**, peeled and diced
– **2 stalks celery**, chopped
– **1 cup frozen peas**
– **2 bay leaves**
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **1 teaspoon dried rosemary**
– **1/4 cup fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
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### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Beef:**
– In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
2. **Brown the Beef:**
– Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per batch), then transfer to a plate.
3. **Cook the Vegetables:**
– In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
4. **Build the Stew Base:**
– Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Return the browned beef to the pot.
5. **Add Vegetables and Seasonings:**
– Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Stir everything together, bring the stew to a simmer, and then cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. **Finish the Stew:**
– About 20 minutes before the stew is done, add the frozen peas. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Discard the bay leaves and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
7. **Serve:**
– Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
### Tips for the Best Beef Stew
– **Choose the Right Beef**: Stew meat needs to be a tougher cut with some marbling, such as chuck roast or round roast. This type of meat becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.
– **Take the Time to Brown the Meat**: Browning adds depth to the flavor. Don’t skip this step, and be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
– **Simmer Low and Slow**: This stew is best when allowed to cook slowly over low heat. This process breaks down the collagen in the meat, making it incredibly tender.
– **Don’t Skip the Herbs**: Fresh herbs like parsley added at the end bring a burst of flavor and color to the stew. You can also try using fresh rosemary and thyme if you have them on hand.
### Recipe Variations
You can easily customize this stew to suit your tastes:
– **Make It Gluten-Free**: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
– **Add Mushrooms**: Sliced mushrooms can be added with the vegetables for an earthy flavor.
– **Swap the Peas for Green Beans**: If you prefer green beans over peas, feel free to use them in the recipe.
– **Vegetable Boost**: You can add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for extra flavor.
### Serving Suggestions
Best Ever Beef Stew is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more satisfying:
– **Crusty Bread**: A thick slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
– **Over Mashed Potatoes**: Serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
– **Side Salad**: A light salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance out the hearty stew.
### Storage and Reheating
– **Storage**: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– **Freezing**: Beef stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
– **Reheating**: Reheat in a pot over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Best Ever Beef Stew is a classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, no-fuss dish that packs plenty of rich flavors and textures. The tender chunks of beef, combined with hearty vegetables and a savory broth, make it an ideal dish for a chilly day or whenever you crave something wholesome and homemade. Plus, it’s a great recipe for meal prepping, as the flavors only get better after a day or two in the fridge.
### Conclusion
Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, and this Best Ever Beef Stew recipe takes it up a notch with perfectly balanced flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that warms the soul and fills the kitchen with delicious aromas. Give this classic recipe a try, and enjoy the cozy goodness of a homemade beef stew that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
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