Savory Beef Stew – A Classic Recipe for Comfort and Warmth

Introduction
Warm up with this savory beef stew, a dish that’s hearty, wholesome, and full of flavor. Packed with tender chunks of beef, nutritious vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth, this one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy night in. Simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, this classic recipe will soon be a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the beef:

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the stew:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 3 large carrots (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 stalks celery (sliced)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup mushrooms (optional, sliced)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a bowl, coat the beef pieces with flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the beef in batches to ensure even cooking. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and celery until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop its flavor.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

1. Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using), scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.
2. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Beef and Vegetables

1. Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms (if using).
2. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft. Adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the bay leaf and ladle the stew into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

• For the most tender beef, cook the stew low and slow.
• Add extra vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or peas to make it even heartier.
• Thicken the broth with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion
This savory beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, offering deep, rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, it’s a classic dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Try this recipe today and discover why it’s a timeless favorite.

Call to Action
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Share your photos on social media and tag us. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for your next cozy dinner—it’s guaranteed to please every time!