Looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul and fills the belly? Look no further than the "Stay at Home Stew"! This hearty American classic is perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is a comforting bowl of goodness. Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors, this stew is not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With just a little prep and an hour of simmering magic, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to bring everyone to the table. Ready to dive into a recipe that will make your kitchen smell irresistible? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown the meat in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to enhance its flavor and remove raw tomato taste.
- Return the browned meat to the pot and add beef broth, thyme, chopped carrots, and diced potatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for approximately 1 hour, or until the meat becomes tender and vegetables are 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 together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or crusty bread on the side.
Tips
- Browning the Meat: Don’t rush the browning process! Taking the time to sear the beef stew meat until it’s golden brown adds a depth of flavor that makes a huge difference in your stew.
- Layering Flavors: After sautéing the onions, be sure to cook the tomato paste for a minute to deepen its flavor. This step helps eliminate any raw taste and enhances the overall richness of the stew.
- Simmering: Allow the stew to simmer gently on low heat. This slow cooking method ensures the meat becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your stew and adjust the seasoning. A pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the flavors and make the dish truly exceptional.
- Resting Time: Letting the stew rest for about 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to marry even more, resulting in a more delicious final dish.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve your stew with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
