ADVERTISEMENT
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides, which will take about 5-7 minutes per batch. This step is important because it adds depth and flavor to the stew. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onions and garlic, sautéing them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Next, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Cook the vegetables for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help bring out their natural flavors and add richness to the stew.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Once the vegetables have softened, stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for about 1 minute until it deepens in color. This will enhance the stew’s overall flavor.
If you’re using red wine, pour it in at this stage, stirring to deglaze the bottom of the pot and lift up any flavorful bits stuck to the surface. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
Next, pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a simmer. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Season generously with salt and pepper, but keep in mind that you can always adjust seasoning later.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Return the browned beef to the pot and stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
If you like a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of water and stir this mixture into the stew about 30 minutes before it’s done. This will help thicken the broth and give the stew a richer texture.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
About 10 minutes before the stew is finished, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll add a nice pop of color and sweetness to the dish.
Once the stew is done, remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hearty stew into bowls, making sure each serving has plenty of tender beef and vegetables. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious broth. This rustic beef stew pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed greens for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Rustic Beef Stew
- Choosing the Right Cut of Meat: Beef chuck roast is the best cut for stew because it’s well-marbled with fat, which makes it tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they can become tough when cooked for long periods.
- Make It Ahead of Time: Beef stew often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to develop. Feel free to make the stew a day or two ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.
- Freeze Leftovers: This stew freezes well for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to get creative and add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with adding herbs like parsley or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an added depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This rustic beef stew is the epitome of comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of savory flavors. It’s the perfect meal for chilly days when you want something that warms you from the inside out. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy weekend or preparing it for a gathering, this beef stew will bring people together around the table. Its simplicity and heartiness make it a timeless recipe, so don’t hesitate to give it a try and enjoy the satisfying taste of a classic, rustic dish.
ADVERTISEMENT
