Hearty Homemade Beef Stew
This homemade beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. The slow cooking process ensures deep, savory flavors that warm you from the inside out. A blend of herbs like thyme and rosemary enhances the taste, making it a family favorite. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with a classic homemade dish. Serve it with crusty bread for the best experience!
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
4 large carrots, sliced
3-4 potatoes, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in ½ cup beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Simmer the Stew: Return the beef to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Add Potatoes and Mushrooms: Stir in potatoes and mushrooms, then continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Thicken the Stew: Mix 2 tbsp flour with a bit of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and cook for 5 more minutes until thickened.
7. Final Touch: Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice for a comforting meal.