Beef stew is a classic dish that is perfect for any season, providing warmth and comfort with every bite. This recipe for the **Best Ever Beef Stew** from Maior Foods is packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Follow these steps to create a stew that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
1. Season the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Build the Stew
1. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Return the browned beef to the pot.
4. Simmer the Stew
1. Cook the Beef: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
5. Add Vegetables
1. Incorporate Carrots, Potatoes, and Celery: Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional)
1. Thicken with Flour: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.
7. Finish the Stew
1. Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for a few more minutes until heated through. Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve
1. Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Ever Beef Stew
Choose the Right Cut of Beef
For the best results, use beef chuck or a similar cut that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.
Searing the Beef
Browning the beef before simmering adds depth and richness to the stew. Make sure to brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Low and Slow Cooking
Simmering the stew on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. Patience is key to achieving the best texture and taste.
Adjusting Consistency
If you prefer a thicker stew, use the flour slurry method mentioned above. For a thinner consistency, you can add a bit more beef broth.
Variations to Try
Adding Different Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or green beans to the stew for additional flavor and nutrition.
Using Different Herbs
Experiment with different herbs such as oregano, marjoram, or basil to customize the flavor profile of your stew.
Gluten-Free Option
To make this stew gluten-free, omit the flour or use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening.
Wine-Free Version
If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with an equal amount of beef broth.
Conclusion
The Best Ever Beef Stew from Maior Foods is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please any crowd. With its tender chunks of beef, robust vegetables, and rich broth, this stew is perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions alike. Follow this recipe and tips to create a comforting meal that will quickly become a household favorite. Enjoy your delicious beef stew with family and friends, and savor the warmth and comfort it brings.