Hearty Beef Stew Recipe: A Comforting Meal for Every Occasion

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that has been cherished by families across the globe for generations. Whether you're looking to warm up on a chilly evening or want something hearty to accompany your favorite side dishes, beef stew never fails to satisfy. This rich and flavorful dish is easy to prepare in large batches and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

This article will guide you through making a delicious beef stew that serves 6 people, with an approximate cooking time of 2 hours including preparation. Follow the steps outlined below to create this wholesome meal!

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless chuck roast (or any other cut of beef suitable for slow-cooking)
• 1 large onion, diced finely
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
• 3 ribs celery, chopped into small pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: mushrooms, potatoes, or other vegetables of your choice
• Herbs such as rosemary or bay leaves for additional flavoring (optional)

Instructions

To start off, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Begin by searing the beef in a large pot over medium heat until each side is browned thoroughly.

1. Add half of the diced onions along with the garlic into the same pot and cook until they begin to soften, about five minutes.
2. Pour the beef broth evenly across all ingredients. Then stir in tomato paste for color enhancement before letting it simmer gently while stirring occasionally.
3. Once the liquid reaches a low boil, add flour gradually through little spoonfuls into this mixture so that there are no lumps formed; mix thoroughly after adding each addition.
4. Next up is to season with salt and pepper according to your personal preference. If desired at all, you may also include additional herbs like thyme or bay leaf here too.

Afterward, arrange the beef chunks carefully into a baking dish or casserole dish lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup once done. Pour over all prepared ingredients and vegetables from step three directly onto top of meat; ensure that every part gets enough liquid exposure throughout cooking process.

Baking Steps

5. Transfer everything to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately two hours, occasionally basting the beef with its own juices by spooning them onto top of the meat mixture during baking.
6. Check periodically throughout this time frame to see if any vegetables need extra attention – such as adding more water if carrots seem dry. At around 1 hour mark, you could consider checking on stews status too - when done properly it should be tender enough for a fork without being overcooked.

When the beef and other elements appear fully cooked, remove from oven carefully allowing the meat to rest at room temperature before serving. Once cooled down sufficiently, garnish with fresh herbs if desired!

Tips & Variations

6. You can also add root vegetables like carrots or parsnips which will add color and texture alongside enhancing flavor profile.
7. For added richness, you might want to use red wine instead of just plain broth.
8. If you're short on time but still wish to enjoy this dish, consider pressure cooking it for only one hour instead of the traditional two hours.

Nutritional Information per Serving (Approximately)

The exact nutritional information may vary slightly based upon serving size and ingredients used. However, here's an approximate guide:

• Total calories: ~450 kcal/serving
• Protein: ~30g/serving
• Fat: ~18g/serving (saturated fat: ~7g)
• Carbohydrates: ~25g/serving

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious beef stew! This recipe ensures that every bite provides rich flavors that will keep you coming back for more.