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Classic Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe

A well-made beef stew highlights the natural flavors of beef, potatoes, and vegetables. The seasoning should enhance, not dominate.
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • lbs beef chuck roast) cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 large carrots peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 medium potatoes diced into chunks
  • ½ tsp celery seed instead of celery stalks
  • 4 cups beef broth low sodium
  • ½ cup water if needed to adjust liquid level
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional, adds umami without making it taste 'saucy'
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ tsp paprika optional, just enough to warm up the broth
  • 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch slurry for thickening
  • ½ cup frozen peas optional, stirred in at the end for color

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef:

    Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

      Pat beef dry with paper towels and season with a little salt and pepper.

        Brown in batches for about 3 minutes per side until golden.

          Remove beef and set aside.

            Build the Base Flavor:

            • In the same pot, add onion and garlic; sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
            • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
            • Pour in a little broth (or water) to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate their rich flavor into the broth.

            Slow Simmer for Tender Meat:

            • Return browned beef to the pot.
            • Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, paprika, and celery seed.
            • Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef starts to get tender.

            Add Vegetables at the Right Time:

            • Stir in carrots, potatoes.
            • Simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until vegetables are fork-tender.

            Thicken the Stew:

            • If the broth is too thin, mix 2 tbsp flour with a little water to make a slurry.
            • Stir it into the stew and let it simmer for 5 more minutes until thickened.

            Finish & Serve:

            • Stir in peas (if using) and remove bay leaf.
            • Taste and adjust seasoning (add more salt or pepper if needed).
            • Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
            Keyword All seasons, Homemade