Classic Beef Stew
User Reviews
5
Classic Beef Stew
Description
The Classic Beef Stew begins by seasoning beef cubes with salt and pepper, then searing them to develop a golden crust which adds depth and flavor. Onions and garlic are sautéed in the same pot, deglazing with red wine vinegar to lift flavorful browned bits. Tomato paste adds richness, and the beef is returned to the pot where a small amount of flour dissolves to produce a gentle thickening effect.
Red wine, beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaves form the aromatic, rich base of the stew. It simmers partially covered to tenderize the beef over an hour. Root vegetables—potatoes, carrots, and celery—are added to cook until soft. Fresh thyme optional garnish adds a fragrant touch. The stew’s texture is a combination of tender meat, soft vegetables, and a thickened broth balanced with savory and acidic notes.
Ideal for colder days, this stew works well as a standalone meal due to its substantial ingredients. The recipe notes how to avoid overcrowding the pan while searing to achieve the best crust. Adjusting thickness with flour in broth is advised as potatoes naturally thicken the liquid. Omission of wine is possible by replacing it with broth. The flavor develops further when reheated, making it suitable for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion cut into chunks, large
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch or other flour
- 1 cup red wine
- 4 cups beef broth low-sodium
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 pound potato halved or quartered, baby, white
- 4 carrot peeled and sliced on a diagonal, medium
- 3 celery chopped, ribs
- fresh thyme optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the beef. Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, place the beef in the pot and sear on all sides until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side, then remove to a plate.
- Saute the onion. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and pour in the vinegar (which will help to loosen browned bits from the bottom of the pot) and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion is softened. Add the tomato paste and cook for a minute more.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add the seared beef back to the pot and sprinkle the flour on top. Stir everything together, until the flour is fully dissolved.
- Add the liquids and aromatics. Add the wine, broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Use a large spoon or spatula to stir everything together. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer partially covered for 1 hour.
- Add the veggies. Add the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
- Serve. Remove the bay leaves, and if you'd like, garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing beef to ensure a good golden crust for better flavor.
- If desiring a thicker stew, mix additional flour with a bit of broth before adding back to the pot.
- Red wine can be omitted and replaced with extra beef broth without major flavor loss.
- The stew tastes better the next day, making it excellent for meal prep and leftovers.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 398 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 398kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 1032mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 1454mg | 31% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 6933IU | 139% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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