Warm, hearty, and utterly comforting, *The Best Beef Stew Ever* is your go-to recipe for cozy evenings and family dinners. Featuring melt-in-your-mouth chunks of tender beef chuck, fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, and a flavorful base of rich beef broth with optional red wine, this stew is the epitome of rustic perfection. Carefully browned beef and a low-and-slow simmering process infuse every bite with incredible depth, while a finishing touch of peas and fresh parsley adds vibrant color and brightness. Ready in just under three hours and perfect for serving with crusty bread, this classic beef stew recipe promises to satisfy and impress. Whether it’s the simple ingredients or the savory aroma of fresh thyme and bay leaves, this dish will become a staple in your cold-weather comfort food lineup.
Season the beef cubes with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper, then toss them in the flour until lightly coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot, then sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Add the tomato paste and cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes to coat the vegetables.
Deglaze the pot by adding the red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
Return the seared beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth. Add the bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and remaining teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
After 1 hour, add the potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fork-tender.
Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Serving size | 3359.5 grams (3359.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3428 |
Total Fat 190.70g | 244% |
Saturated Fat 63.10g | 316% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g | |
Cholesterol 602mg | 201% |
Sodium 2430mg | 106% |
Total Carbohydrate 203.10g | 74% |
Dietary Fiber 27.00g | 96% |
Total Sugars 31.30g | |
Protein 198.70g | 397% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 435mg | 33% |
Iron 30mg | 166% |
Potassium 7091mg | 151% |
Source of Calories