The Best Beef Stew Recipe

Crafting the perfect beef stew involves selecting quality ingredients, employing proper techniques, and allowing ample time for flavors to meld. Here's a comprehensive guide to creating a hearty and flavorful beef stew:

**Ingredients:**

- **Beef:** 2 pounds (approximately 900 grams) of well-marbled chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes.
- **Salt and Pepper:** To season the beef.
- **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons.
- **Onions:** 2 medium, chopped.
- **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced.
- **Carrots:** 4 large, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- **Celery:** 3 stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces.
- **Potatoes:** 1.5 pounds (approximately 680 grams) of Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks.
- **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons.
- **Red Wine:** 1 cup (optional; can substitute with additional beef broth).
- **Beef Broth:** 4 cups.
- **Worcestershire Sauce:** 2 tablespoons.
- **Bay Leaves:** 2.
- **Thyme:** 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh.
- **Rosemary:** 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh.
- **Flour:** 1/4 cup.
- **Peas:** 1 cup frozen (optional).
- **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish.

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Beef:**
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure better browning.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.

2. **Sear the Beef:**
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear until all sides are browned, approximately 5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.

3. **Sauté the Aromatics:**
- In the same pot, add onions and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. **Incorporate Tomato Paste and Deglaze:**
- Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to develop its flavor.
- Pour in red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half, approximately 5 minutes.

5. **Add Broth and Seasonings:**
- Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.

6. **Simmer the Stew:**
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 hours, allowing the beef to become tender.

7. **Add Vegetables:**
- Introduce carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot.
- Continue to simmer, covered, for an additional 45 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

8. **Thicken the Stew:**
- In a small bowl, whisk flour with 1/2 cup of the stew liquid to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry back into the stew, allowing it to thicken over 5 minutes.

9. **Finalize and Serve:**
- If using, add frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

**Tips for Success:**

- **Meat Selection:** Opt for well-marbled cuts like chuck roast for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- **Browning:** Properly searing the beef enhances depth of flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a good sear.
- **Flavor Development:** Incorporating red wine adds complexity, but it can be substituted with additional broth if preferred.
- **Consistency:** Adjust the stew's thickness by modifying the amount of flour slurry based on personal preference.

For a visual guide and additional tips, consider watching this step-by-step video tutorial:

videoBest Beef Stew Recipe // Step by Stepturn0search5

By following these steps, you'll create a comforting and hearty beef stew that's perfect for any occasion.