Here’s a classic homemade stew recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any season:
Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
3 tbsp flour (for dredging)
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional, replace with more broth if preferred)
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
4 carrots, sliced into 1-inch chunks
4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Beef:
Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
Toss in flour to coat lightly.
Brown the Meat:
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown beef in batches, 4–5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add remaining oil, sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Deglaze:
Add wine and scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer 2 minutes.
Build the Stew:
Return beef to the pot.
Add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Add Vegetables:
Add carrots, potatoes, and celery.
Simmer uncovered for another 45–60 minutes, until vegetables and beef are tender.
Finish:
Stir in peas and cook 5 more minutes.
Discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve with crusty bread if desired.
