Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 3 potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup red wine (optional, or use more broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
• Working in batches, add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

1. Sauté Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.

1. Deglaze:

• If using red wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Return the browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.

1. Cook the Stew:

• Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally.

1. Add Peas:

• During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas.

1. Thicken the Stew (Optional):

• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken.

1. Taste and Adjust:

• Season the stew with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the stew into bowls, and enjoy with crusty bread or over rice.

Tips:

• Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference (e.g., adding mushrooms or celery).
• You can also prepare this stew in a slow cooker; just brown the beef and sauté the vegetables before adding everything to the slow cooker, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Enjoy your hearty and comforting beef stew!