Perfect Beef Stew – Comforting and Flavorful

Perfect Beef Stew is a classic comfort dish that’s hearty, rich, and packed with flavor. Tender beef cubes simmer with carrots, potatoes, onions, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth until everything melts together in a satisfying, velvety stew. It’s ideal for family dinners, cozy nights, or meal prepping for the week.

This stew is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. On chilly afternoons, I love taking a little time to brown the beef and let it simmer slowly with vegetables and herbs. The result is tender chunks of beef, rich gravy, and vegetables that soak up every bit of flavor — the perfect comfort meal that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

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Cuisine: American / Classic Comfort Food
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~450 per serving

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Season beef with salt and pepper.
• Brown beef in batches, then remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

• In the same pot, sauté onions until soft.
• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Stir in tomato paste.

3. Deglaze and Simmer

• Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape up browned bits from the pot.
• Return beef to the pot and add beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 1.5 hours.

4. Add Vegetables

• Add carrots, potatoes, and celery.
• Continue to simmer for another 45 minutes until vegetables and beef are tender.

5. Finish the Stew

• If you want a thicker stew, mix flour with a little water and stir in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove bay leaves before serving.

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Pro Tips

• Browning the beef in batches ensures it sears instead of stews.
• Low and slow simmering develops the richest flavor.
• For extra depth, make it a day ahead — flavors improve overnight.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over buttered egg noodles.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch.
• Perfect with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

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Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: Stew freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

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Cultural Context

Beef stew is a timeless comfort food, popular across many cultures. This version blends classic American flavors with a slow-cooked richness that feels both nostalgic and hearty, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes. Chuck roast is ideal for tenderness, but stew beef or brisket works as well. Just adjust cooking time until the meat is tender.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely. Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Q: Can I skip the red wine?
A: Yes. Substitute with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.

Q: How do I thicken the stew naturally?
A: Simmer uncovered for the last 20–30 minutes to reduce liquid, or mash a few potatoes into the broth.