A Hearty Classic: Beef Stew Recipe for a Cozy Night In

Beef stew is a timeless comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or a weekend gathering. The rich flavors of braised beef combined with tender vegetables create a satisfying and warming dish. This recipe offers a basic framework, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients and variations.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add beef to the pot and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Return beef to the pot and pour in beef broth. Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. If using, add potatoes and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
6. Stir in frozen peas (if using) and cook for 5 minutes more.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using) and serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, brown the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding the pot.
• You can use a variety of vegetables in your stew, such as turnips, parsnips, or green beans.
• If you like your stew thicker, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
• Leftover stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage dreamfordarfur.org/.

Enjoy this classic beef stew recipe and create your own cozy variations!

Additional notes:

• This recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice.
• It is important to follow safe food handling practices when preparing and cooking any meal