If you're in search of a hearty, soul-warming dish that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy diner, look no further than this Five Hour Beef Stew! With tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this recipe promises to deliver comfort in every bite. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this stew is not just a meal; it's an experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that will leave your taste buds singing and your loved ones raving!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Total Time: 5 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting beef chuck into 1-inch uniform pieces, chopping carrots, dicing potatoes, and chopping onion.
- Season beef chunks generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides of the meat.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown the beef pieces in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. This process should take about 3-4 minutes per batch and helps develop rich flavor.
- Remove browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add tomato paste to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor and caramelize slightly.
- Return browned beef to the pot and add beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the pot and transfer to a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C). Allow the stew to slow cook for 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, add chopped carrots and diced potatoes to the stew. Return to the oven and continue cooking for an additional hour.
- Remove from oven and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and liquid to slightly thicken.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving contains a generous portion of meat and vegetables.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for beef chuck, as it becomes incredibly tender during the long cooking process, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush the browning step! Taking the time to develop a deep golden-brown crust on the beef adds layers of flavor to your stew.
- Layer Flavors: Sauté the onions until they're translucent before adding the tomato paste. This enhances the overall depth of flavor in your stew.
- Slow and Steady: Cooking at a low temperature for several hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Resist the temptation to crank up the heat!
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your stew before serving. A pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can elevate the flavors to perfection.
- Let It Rest: Allow the stew to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This resting period helps the flavors to settle and the stew to thicken slightly.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete, satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 329kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 67mg
