If you’re craving something deeply satisfying that warms you from the inside out, this Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe is exactly what you need. Jam-packed with tender chunks of stewing beef, vibrant vegetables, and that rich splash of red wine, this stew is a comforting celebration of rustic flavors. Every spoonful brings a perfect harmony of savory, earthy, and slightly sweet notes, making it an ideal meal to share with family and friends on a cozy evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step towards creating a stew bursting with flavor and texture. Each element plays its part—from the robust beef and fresh vegetables to the aromatic herbs and that luscious touch of red wine, all coming together to create a dish that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
- 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed: Choose well-marbled beef for the juiciest, most tender bites after slow cooking.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Coats the beef to help create a rich, velvety stew base.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick of warmth and spice.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the beef, adding a flavorful crust and richness.
- 1 onion, chopped: Creates a fragrant foundation and sweet undertones throughout the stew.
- 6 cups beef broth: The hearty liquid base that envelops the stew’s ingredients in deep, meaty flavor.
- ½ cup red wine (optional): Enhances complexity with fruity, robust notes that simmer into every bite.
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed: Adds creaminess and body, soaking up the stew’s savory juices.
- 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces: Bring color and a natural sweetness that balances the richness.
- 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces: Delivers a fresh, slightly peppery crunch even after cooking slow and low.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the stew’s color and taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 fresh sprig): Adds an earthy herbal aroma that beautifully complements the beef.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening): A simple slurry to give your stew a luscious, satisfying thickness.
- ¾ cup peas: A burst of green sweetness added at the end for freshness and color.
How to Make Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by gently tossing those beef cubes with the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This coating isn’t just about seasoning—it helps develop a beautiful crust on the meat and thickens the stew as it cooks. This step is your foundation for mouthwatering flavor, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Sear the Beef and Onions
Heat your olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides to lock in juices and create those caramelized, flavorful bits. Toss in the chopped onions partway through and cook until they soften and start turning golden. Those browned bits stuck to the pot will be the secret to building your hearty stew’s deep flavor.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Time to pour in your beef broth and that optional half cup of red wine. The wine adds a luxurious richness and subtle fruitiness that elevates every spoonful. As the liquid simmers, scrape the bottom of your pot to lift all those tasty browned bits—this technique infuses the broth with intense, meaty goodness.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Add your potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine. Cover your Dutch oven and let the stew simmer gently for about an hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables have soaked up all that gorgeous flavor. This is where patience pays off big time; your kitchen will smell like comfort in a pot!
Step 5: Thicken the Stew
Whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then slowly pour this slurry into your bubbling stew. Stir continuously and watch as the broth thickens to a silky consistency that clings perfectly to every ingredient. This step transforms your stew into a pleasingly hearty meal that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Add the Peas
Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in those fresh peas. They only need a few minutes to soften, adding a sweet pop of color and flavor that brightens the stew’s richness beautifully. It’s the small touches like this that make your Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe truly outstanding.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Give your stew a moment to cool slightly after cooking—no one wants to burn their mouth on the first bite! Serve it up with a chunk of crusty bread or fluffy biscuits to mop up all that luscious sauce. This dish practically invites cozy conversations and lingering enjoyments by the fire or at your family table.
How to Serve Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe
Garnishes
Consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves to add a dash of color and freshness. A swirl of sour cream or a dollop of crème fraîche can add a creamy tang that contrasts perfectly with the stew’s rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with rustic bread to soak up every drop, creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort, or even buttered noodles if you want to mix things up. A crisp green salad on the side can provide a refreshing balance to the hearty main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew inside hollowed-out bread bowls to impress your guests. Alternatively, ladle it over creamy polenta or a bed of wild rice for a unique texture experience. Subtle details in presentation help make your Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe shine even more brightly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew actually improves in flavor after a day or two, making leftovers a delight. Store your cooled stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef and vegetables will maintain their tender charm while the flavors meld further.
Freezing
If you’d like to save portions for later, this stew freezes beautifully. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the vibrant taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you do, stir often to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I make this stew without red wine?
Absolutely! The red wine adds richness and complexity, but you can simply omit it or replace it with additional beef broth. The stew will still be delicious and hearty.
What cut of beef works best for stew?
Look for well-marbled, tougher cuts like chuck or stewing beef. Slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in fork-tender meat with plenty of flavor.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not overly gloopy. Adjust thickness by adding or reducing the cornstarch slurry according to your preference.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh rosemary is a fantastic substitute. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried, as fresh herbs are milder.
Is it better to brown the beef in batches?
Definitely. Crowding the pan steams the meat instead of browning it. Browning in batches ensures a flavorful crust and a richer stew base.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe that brings people together and makes any day feel like a celebration. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or when friends drop by unexpectedly, this dish is always a winner. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!
Print
Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables and Red Wine Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Beef Stew featuring tender cubed beef simmered with potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, and aromatic herbs in a rich broth thickened to perfection. This classic stew is perfect for a cozy meal and comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- ½ cup red wine (optional)
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 fresh sprig)
Thickening and Finishing
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- ¾ cup peas
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a bowl, toss beef cubes with flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the meat. This will help create a flavorful crust and thicken the stew later.
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and chopped onions and brown them thoroughly until nicely seared, which locks in flavor.
- Build the broth: Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits add deep flavor to the stew.
- Simmer the stew: Stir in potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Thicken the stew: Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this mixture into the stew while it simmers to thicken the broth to a nice consistency.
- Add the peas: Stir in the peas during the last few minutes of cooking to warm them through without losing their color and texture.
- Serve & enjoy: Let the stew cool slightly before serving. This stew pairs excellently with fresh bread or biscuits for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, let the stew rest for a few hours or overnight and reheat before serving.
- You can omit the red wine for a non-alcoholic version; simply add extra beef broth instead.
- Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different taste.
- Use fresh rosemary if available for better aroma.
- Adjust seasoning after simmering, especially salt and pepper.
