Imagine a dish that wraps you in warmth, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and promises pure culinary comfort - this Simple Hearty Beef Stew is exactly that magical meal! Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a soul-satisfying dinner, this classic American recipe transforms humble ingredients into a masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. With tender beef chunks, rich broth, and perfectly cooked vegetables, this stew isn't just a meal; it's an experience that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary memory.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides, creating a rich golden crust. Transfer browned meat to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, add tomato paste, and stir to coat the meat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to develop deeper flavor.
- Pour in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add thyme and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer slowly for
- 5 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and develop rich flavors.
- Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the stew. Continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes until vegetables are tender and meat is extremely soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh parsley, and pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose beef chuck for its perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. Always pat meat dry before browning to ensure a beautiful golden crust.
- Browning is Key: Take your time browning meat in batches. This step develops deep, complex flavors that make the stew extraordinary.
- Low and Slow: The secret to melt-in-your-mouth beef is patient, low-temperature cooking. Don't rush the simmering process.
- Vegetable Timing: Add potatoes and carrots later in cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Rest and Relax: Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and develop even more depth.
- Storage Hack: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
