simple beef stew recipes

The Best Simple Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Comfort

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Craving comfort? Try these simple beef stew recipe for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make. Perfect for chilly nights! Discover the best now.

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Is there anything more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew on a chilly evening? This isn’t just any stew recipe; it’s the best simple beef stew recipe you’ll ever need. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). This guide walks you through everything, from selecting the right ingredients to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring your stew is a guaranteed success. Get ready to elevate your stew game!

Simple Beef Stew Recipe

(Image: A beautifully styled photo of a finished bowl of beef stew, steaming slightly, with crusty bread on the side.)

This easy beef stew recipe is designed for home cooks of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, our detailed step-by-step instructions, coupled with high-quality photography and a helpful video tutorial, will guide you through the process. Let’s ditch the complicated recipes and dive into making the ultimate comfort food!

Why This Recipe is Different:

  • Simplicity without Sacrifice: We focus on ease of preparation without compromising on flavor.
  • Detailed Guidance: Step-by-step instructions with photos ensure success.
  • Troubleshooting Tips: We address common issues before they arise.
  • Customization Options: We provide suggestions for tailoring the recipe to your preferences.
  • Complete Resource: Everything you need, from serving suggestions to storage instructions, in one place.

Let’s get started!

Detailed, Step-by-Step Simple Beef Stew Recipe

This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
A collage of simple beef stew recipes key ingredients, neatly arranged.

(Image: A collage of the key ingredients, neatly arranged.)

Equipment:

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Instructions:

Prepare the Beef:

Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.

    Beef cubes, seasoned with salt and pepper, ready to be seared.

    (1.Image: Beef cubes, seasoned with salt and pepper, ready to be seared.)

    Sear the Beef: 

    Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

      Beef searing in the Dutch oven, showing a good sear on one side.

      (2.Image: Beef searing in the Dutch oven, showing a good sear on one side.)

      Sauté the Vegetables:

       Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Dutch oven. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

        Vegetables sautéing in the pot, softened and slightly caramelized.

        (3.Image: Vegetables sautéing in the pot, softened and slightly caramelized.)

        Add the Liquids and Seasonings:

        Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.

          All the liquid and seasonings added to the pot, ready to be combined.

          (4.Image: All the liquid and seasonings added to the pot, ready to be combined.)

          Combine and Simmer:

          Return the seared beef to the Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the stew will become.

            Stew simmering in the pot, covered.

            (5.Image: Stew simmering in the pot, covered.)

            Add Potatoes and Peas:

            Add the cubed potatoes to the stew. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. If using, add the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

              Potatoes added to the stew, simmering.

              (6.Image: Potatoes added to the stew, simmering.)

              Thicken the Stew (Optional):

              If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk together the all-purpose flour with a little cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

                Showing the slurry being added to the stew.

                (7.Image: Showing the slurry being added to the stew.)

                Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

                Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

                  A final shot of the garnished beef stew, ready to be served.

                  (8.Image: A final shot of the garnished beef stew, ready to be served.)

                  Video Tutorial: Simple Beef Stew Recipe

                  [Embed a short, engaging video demonstrating the recipe. Show the key steps and highlight the ease of preparation. The video should be approximately 2-3 minutes long.]

                  Troubleshooting Section: Common Issues and Solutions

                  ProblemPossible CauseSolution
                  Tough MeatNot enough simmering time, low-quality beefSimmer the stew longer (up to 4 hours), use a better cut of beef (e.g., chuck roast).
                  Watery StewToo much liquid, not enough thickeningReduce the amount of beef broth, add a flour slurry or cornstarch slurry at the end.
                  Bland FlavorNot enough seasoning, short simmering timeAdd more salt, pepper, herbs, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the stew for a longer period.
                  Mushy VegetablesOvercookingAdd the vegetables later in the cooking process.
                  Stew is too saltyOversasoningAdd a diced potato as it absorbs salt. You can remove the potatoes after.

                  Variations & Customization: Make It Your Own!

                  • Vegetable Variations: Try adding parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
                  • Herb and Spice Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (for a little heat), or fresh thyme.
                  • Wine Addition: Add a cup of red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) along with the beef broth for a richer flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients to cook off the alcohol.
                  • Mushroom Boost: Add sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button) along with the onions, carrots, and celery.

                  Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Stew

                  This simple beef stew recipe is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments.

                  • Crusty Bread: A must-have for soaking up the flavorful broth.
                  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the hearty stew perfectly.
                  • Rice: Fluffy rice is another great option for serving with beef stew.
                  • Side Salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
                  • Yorkshire Puddings: A classic British pairing.

                  Storage & Reheating Instructions

                  • Storage: Allow the stew to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
                  • Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

                  Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

                  • Calories: 350-450
                  • Protein: 30-40g
                  • Fat: 15-25g
                  • Carbohydrates: 20-30g

                  Disclaimer: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

                  User Reviews & Ratings: Share Your Experience!

                  We’d love to hear what you think of this easy beef stew recipe! Please leave a review and rating below to share your experience with other cooks. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Your feedback helps us improve the recipe and helps others discover the joy of making delicious, simple beef stew.

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                  Conclusion: Your Go-To Simple Beef Stew Recipe

                  This simple beef stew recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With its tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. We hope this guide has empowered you to create a stew that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. So, grab your Dutch oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the best simple beef stew you’ve ever tasted! Happy cooking!

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