How to Make Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide

Beef stew is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Made with tender beef, a variety of vegetables, and a rich broth, this classic dish is easy to prepare and delicious. Here’s how to make a traditional beef stew from scratch.

Ingredients

For a pot of beef stew that serves about 6 people, you’ll need:

For the Stew:

2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Start by preparing your beef. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. In a large bowl, toss the beef with the flour, salt, and pepper until the pieces are evenly coated. This helps create a flavorful crust when searing the beef.

2. Sear the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set it aside. Searing the beef locks in the flavor and adds depth to the stew.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. This step builds the base flavor for your stew.

4. Deglaze the Pot

Pour the red wine into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. If you’re not using wine, you can deglaze the pot with a bit of beef broth instead. Deglazing adds all the rich flavors from the browned bits into your stew.

5. Add the Broth and Seasonings

Return the seared beef to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

6. Add the Vegetables

Once the beef is tender, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Stir to combine, then cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened. The vegetables add both flavor and texture to the stew.

7. Add the Peas

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas. They don’t need long to cook, and adding them at the end keeps them bright and fresh. Peas add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the stew.

8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Garnish the stew with chopped fresh parsley before serving. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the rich stew.

Tips for Perfect Beef Stew

Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Use a cut of beef that’s tough and full of connective tissue, like chuck or brisket. These cuts become tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the beef adds a deep, rich flavor to the stew. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot during searing to get a good crust on the meat.
Cook Low and Slow: Patience is key. Slow cooking allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to develop fully.
Add Vegetables at the Right Time: To avoid mushy vegetables, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Make It Ahead: Beef stew often tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld. Make it a day ahead and simply reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Beef stew is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s a dish that’s easy to make and sure to please. Follow these steps and tips, and you’ll have a delicious beef stew ready to serve to your family and friends. Enjoy!