Description
This hearty and comforting homemade beef stew is perfect for cozy nights. Slow-simmered with tender chunks of beef chuck, fresh vegetables, and rich beef broth, it’s a classic dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers deep, savory flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 2-3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast (Cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
Vegetables
- 1 large Onion (Diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 3 medium Carrots (Sliced)
- 2 large Potatoes (Cubed)
- 2 stalks Celery (Chopped)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups Beef Broth (Good quality broth for rich flavor)
- 2 Bay Leaves (Remove before serving)
- 1 teaspoon Thyme (Dried or 2 teaspoons fresh)
- Salt and Pepper (To taste)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For browning the beef)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into 1.5-inch cubes, then season them with salt and pepper evenly to enhance flavor.
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté onions: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to slightly tenderize the vegetables.
- Combine ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot, pour in the beef broth, add bay leaves, and sprinkle thyme over the mixture. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Simmer stew: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot slightly ajar, and let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and beef to become tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew and add more salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. Enjoy your comforting beef stew!
Notes
- For richer flavor, use homemade or high-quality beef broth.
- If you prefer thicker stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir into stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pot while browning the beef to ensure proper searing.
- This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
- Leftover stew tastes even better as flavors develop over time.
