Description
A hearty and comforting classic, beef stew combines tender chunks of beef, seasonal vegetables, and savory broth in a slow-cooked dish perfect for cold weather or family gatherings. This versatile recipe can be customized to suit dietary preferences while delivering rich flavors and nourishing ingredients.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs boneless chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
– 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
– 3 large carrots, sliced
– 3 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 large onion, diced
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
– ½ cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)
– ½ cup red wine (optional, for depth)
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– 3 fresh thyme sprigs
– 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Trim and cube the chuck roast. Dice potatoes, slice carrots, chop celery, dice onions, and slice mushrooms.
- Sear Beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until softened.
- Add Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 2 tbsp flour, cooking for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Gradually add 4 cups beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the beef to the pot. Add potato chunks, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.
- Cook Low and Slow: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender.
- Finish with Peas: Stir in ½ cup frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
– For a slow cooker version: Combine all ingredients except peas in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. Add peas during the last 30 minutes.
– To thicken stew: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the stew, or simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.
– Freeze cooled stew in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, Oven
- Cuisine: American, Global Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg (varies based on broth used)
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg