Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Beef stew is a comforting dish that warms you from head to toe on chilly evenings. Its rich flavors and hearty texture make it perfect for sharing with family or friends during gatherings. In this recipe, we will guide you through making a delicious beef stew that promises to satisfy your taste buds.

Cooking Time: Approximately 3 Hours

The cooking time includes marinating the beef, simmering on low heat, and allowing it to thicken into an appetizing dish. This recipe yields approximately six servings.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (1 kg) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 carrots, sliced diagonally
• 2 onions, chopped finely
• 8 oz (250 ml) red wine
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) of diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 3 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 cup pearl onions, peeled (optional)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water for thickening
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Start by preparing your beef by patting it dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Marinate the Meat: Place the seasoned beef in a bowl, then pour over enough red wine to cover completely. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes but ideally up to overnight if possible.
3. Cooking the Beef: Once marinated, heat olive oil in your Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, brown the beef on all sides. Remove from the pot as it browns and set aside.
4. Cooking Vegetables: In the same pot with a little more oil if necessary, sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return browned beef to the pot along with diced tomatoes, herbs (thyme, rosemary), bay leaves, beef broth or water, and pearl onions (if using). Bring everything to a simmer before covering and placing your pot in a preheated oven set at 300°F (150°C).
6. Simmering: Allow the stew to cook slowly for about 2.5 hours until the beef is tender enough that you can easily shred it with a fork.
7. Thicken the Stew: Before serving, mix cornstarch slurry and stir into the stew gently. Simmer until thickened slightly while stirring carefully to avoid breaking up the meat pieces.
8. Final Touches: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hot with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or crusty bread!

Tips for Success:

1. Ensure that you use well-marbled cuts of beef as they tend to melt into the stew rather than drying out.
2. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider using a mix of red wine and beef broth instead of just one or the other.
3. For extra depth, you could add some bacon to render fat which would be poured off before adding the vegetables.
4. To make this dish even more satisfying, pair it with a side salad for freshness. Or consider serving it with crusty rolls so everyone can dip their bread into the sauce.

Conclusion:

Beef stew is an excellent meal that encourages family time and conversation around the table. The simplicity of its ingredients combined with long-cooking techniques allow for layers of flavor to develop, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. Whether you're looking forward to dinner parties or just want a cozy night in during colder months, this recipe is sure to be a hit.