Best Beef Stew Recipe
This Best Beef Stew Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying Beef Stew Recipe that’s both classic and approachable. The secret lies in the slow-simmered red wine broth, which infuses the beef, carrots, and potatoes with robust flavor. Using chuck roast ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while a touch of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Perfect for a leisurely weekend cooking session, this Easy Beef Stew Recipe is a timeless dish that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat, standing out among Beef Stew Meat Recipes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck or stewing meat cubed
- 1/4 cup flour for dredging
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and diced
- 4 medium carrots peeled and sliced thick
- 1 cup frozen peas optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Pat 2 lbs cubed beef dry and toss with 1/4 cup flour to coat. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef in two batches until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side, adding more oil as needed. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 chopped onion and 3 chopped celery stalks for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 can tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
- Build the Broth: Pour in 1 cup red wine, 3 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning, and 3 bay leaves. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Return beef to the pot, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add Veggies: Add 1 lb diced potatoes and 4 sliced carrots. Simmer, covered, for another hour or until beef, potatoes, and carrots are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves. Serve hot with rustic bread or a side salad for a complete Beef Stew Recipe.
Notes
- Simmer Gently: Low heat ensures tender beef; avoid boiling to prevent toughness.
- Quality Wine: A good red wine enhances the broth’s depth in this Beef Stew Recipe.
- Skim Fat: Remove excess fat from the surface for a cleaner presentation.
- Fresh Seasonings: Replace old bay leaves for optimal flavor in Beef Stew Meat Recipes.
- Test Tenderness: Check that beef and vegetables are fork-tender before serving.