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- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 carrots, sliced into rounds - 4 medium potatoes, diced Beef chuck is the star of the show. It offers rich flavor and tenderness. Carrots add sweetness and color to the stew. Potatoes provide heartiness and absorb the tasty broth. - 1 large onion, diced - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 bay leaves Onions and garlic create a base of flavor. Thyme and bay leaves add depth and warmth. Together, they make every bite more delicious. - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 4 cups beef broth - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Vegetable oil helps brown the beef, locking in flavor. Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste boost the stew's umami. Beef broth is essential for the rich, comforting liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste. To start, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This oil helps brown the beef, giving it a rich flavor. Cut 2 lbs of beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Add the beef in batches to avoid crowding. Brown it on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside to rest. This step locks in the juices, making your stew more tasty. Next, we’ll focus on the aromatics. In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and clear, about 3 to 4 minutes. This adds depth to your stew. After that, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until you smell that beautiful garlic aroma filling your kitchen. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Return the browned beef to the pot. Then, mix in 4 sliced carrots and 4 diced medium potatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Add 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything well to make sure the flavors blend. Bring the stew to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours. This slow cooking helps the beef become tender and lets the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. After 2 hours, remove the bay leaves, check the seasoning, and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Now, your classic beef stew is ready to serve! Browning the meat is key for great flavor. When you brown the beef, it forms a crust. This crust adds depth to your stew. Make sure to do this in batches. This keeps the pot from getting too crowded. Crowding prevents proper browning. Fresh herbs bring bright flavors, but dried herbs work too. If you use dried thyme, add it early in cooking. Fresh herbs, like parsley, are best added at the end. This keeps their flavor fresh. Slow cooking is vital for tender meat. Cooking for about two hours allows the beef to break down. It also lets flavors mix well. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. To avoid mushy vegetables, add them at the right time. Carrots and potatoes should cook with the beef. If you add them too early, they may fall apart. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This adds a fresh taste and makes the dish look nice. Pair your beef stew with crusty bread. This is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. You can also serve it with a simple green salad. A salad adds a nice crunch to your meal. {{image_2}} Alternatives to beef If you want a tasty stew, you can try other meats. Lamb or pork works well in this dish. These meats bring their own unique flavors. Use the same cooking method as for beef. Vegetarian options For a meat-free version, use hearty vegetables and legumes. You can add mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas. These ingredients make the stew filling and rich. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for depth. Adding red wine A splash of red wine can elevate your stew. It adds depth and richness to the flavor. Make sure to let it cook down to remove the alcohol. This step concentrates the taste and melds with the other ingredients. Incorporating other vegetables Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. Adding peas, green beans, or parsnips adds color and texture. Each vegetable brings its own flavor, making the stew even better. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. Gluten-free modifications To make this stew gluten-free, check all your ingredients. Many broths can contain gluten. Use gluten-free broth and ensure all seasonings are safe. This way, everyone can enjoy your hearty dish. Low-sodium adjustments To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and limit added salt. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor without extra salt. Taste as you go to keep the flavor balanced while adjusting sodium content. To keep your beef stew fresh, place it in a clean, airtight container. Allow the stew to cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you can track how long it has been stored. If you want to save some stew for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the stew cool completely. Next, use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Portion the stew into individual servings for easy meals later. Leave some space at the top of the containers, as the stew will expand when frozen. You can freeze the stew for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy the stew again, reheat it safely. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. For the microwave, place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Always check that it’s hot all the way through before serving. Beef stew can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the stew cools down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can spoil the stew faster. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can make beef stew in a slow cooker! To adjust the recipe, brown the beef first in a pan. After that, place the browned beef in the slow cooker. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This method lets the flavors blend nicely. Beef stew pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Crusty bread to soak up the broth - Mashed potatoes for a creamy side - Green salad for a fresh touch - Rice or pasta for a filling option These sides enhance your meal and make it more satisfying. Enjoy your beef stew with any of these pairings! This blog post covered how to make a great beef stew. We discussed the key ingredients like beef chuck, carrots, and potatoes. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare the stew and tips for the best flavor and texture. You can even try variations with different proteins or vegetables. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat safely. Enjoy your hearty stew, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. You have the tools to create something delicious and satisfying for every meal.

Classic Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes

Warm up your kitchen with this savory beef stew delight that’s perfect for cozy nights! Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this stew is easy to make and full of comfort. In just over two hours, you can create a rich, satisfying meal that serves six. Click now to explore the full recipe and tips for making this delicious dish that your family will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 carrots, sliced into rounds

4 medium potatoes, diced

4 cups beef broth

2 teaspoons dried thyme

2 bay leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned beef and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

      Return the beef to the pot, along with the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Stir to combine.

        Pour in the beef broth and add the dried thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.

          Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.

            Once cooked, remove the bay leaves, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary, and ladle the stew into bowls.

              Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the stew in deep bowls with a sprinkle of parsley on top. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal!