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Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and celery, allowing them to cook for another 5 minutes, giving them a chance to absorb the flavors of the onion and garlic.
Step 3: Build the Stew
- Return the browned beef to the pot with the vegetables. Stir in the beef broth, red wine (if using), and tomato paste. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to incorporate all the flavors.
- Add the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 2 to 2 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process will allow the beef to become incredibly tender, and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Once the stew is done cooking and the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the stew in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew
- Browning the beef: Browning the beef is a key step in building flavor. Don’t rush it—take your time to get a nice sear on all sides of the meat.
- Low and slow: The secret to tender beef and a rich broth is cooking the stew on low heat for a long time. This allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the flavors to develop fully.
- Customizing vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables. Parsnips, peas, or turnips work great in this stew as well.
- Freezing: Beef stew freezes wonderfully. Make a large batch, and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply reheat and enjoy later!
Why This Beef Stew is So Special
The Best Ever Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of dish you can make on a lazy weekend or prepare in advance for a cozy family dinner. The combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables creates a dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Each bite is a reminder of the power of slow-cooked food, where simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a chilly evening or enjoying a bowl all to yourself, this stew will never disappoint.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to comfort food, Best Ever Beef Stew is at the top of the list. It’s filling, flavorful, and full of love, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something hearty on a cold day or looking to create a dish that will warm your soul, this beef stew will always hit the spot. With tender beef, a savory broth, and the perfect mix of vegetables, this stew is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.
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