This Homemade Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. The stew is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring that the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with the flavors of garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, especially on chilly evenings when you need a warm and hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Beef Stew :
This Homemade Beef Stew is a classic dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. The slow-cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully. The combination of beef chuck, Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, and a savory broth enriched with tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce makes this stew irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to customize with additional vegetables or seasoning to suit your taste.
“This beef stew is my go-to recipe for a cozy dinner. The beef is so tender, and the flavors are rich and deeply satisfying!”
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Beef Stew :
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Homemade Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast: Cut into 2-inch chunks with excess fat removed. Provides rich flavor and becomes tender when slow-cooked.
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt: For seasoning the beef.
- ½ tsp Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: Adds depth and slight heat.
- 2 Tbsp Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour (or Whole Wheat for non-gluten): Helps thicken the stew.
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
- ½ Yellow Onion, chopped large: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced: For a robust, savory flavor.
- 1 Large Carrot (or two small-medium), cut into 2-inch chunks: Adds sweetness and texture.
- 2 Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced into 2-inch pieces: For heartiness and balance.
- 2 Cups Beef Broth: Forms the base of the stew.
- ¼ Cup Tomato Paste: Enriches the broth with a deep tomato flavor.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a touch of umami and tang.
- 1 Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle herbal notes during cooking.
- 2 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adds a fragrant, herby finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Beef Stew :
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature allows the beef stew to cook slowly and evenly, ensuring tender, flavorful meat.
Step 2: Season and Flour the Beef
Season the beef chunks on all sides with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss to coat evenly. The flour helps create a nice sear on the beef and thickens the stew as it cooks.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef in batches, cooking each batch for 3-4 minutes per side until browned on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. Browning in batches helps achieve a nice sear, which enhances the flavor of the stew.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onions, garlic, and carrots to the Dutch oven. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly browned and fragrant.
Step 5: Deglaze and Build the Broth
Add the potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce to the Dutch oven. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, which adds depth to the stew’s flavor.
“Deglazing the pot with the broth ensures you capture all the delicious browned bits that give the stew its rich, layered flavor.”
Step 6: Simmer and Bake
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring to combine. Return the browned beef to the pot, cover with the lid, and transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven.
Cook for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together. Check for doneness at the 2-hour mark and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the stew warm, garnished with fresh thyme leaves for a touch of color and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Q: Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of in the oven?
A: Yes! If you prefer, you can simmer the stew on low heat on the stovetop for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally and checking for tenderness.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
A: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like parsnips, green beans, or peas. Just add quicker-cooking vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A: Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Beef Stew :
This Homemade Beef Stew is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving ideas:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Mashed Potatoes: For an extra hearty meal, serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich stew.
“I love serving this stew with a slice of crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious broth.”
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Homemade Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks, excess fat removed
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour (or whole wheat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, chopped large
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large carrot, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Notes
This Homemade Beef Stew is hearty, comforting, and perfect for any time you crave a warm, satisfying meal. Enjoy!