Beef stew recipe ready to try the best comfort food out there? This classic beef stew is perfect. It has tender chunks of chuck roast, a rich wine broth, and plenty of vegetables. This stew will warm you up, even on the coldest nights. But what makes it stand out? We’re about to find out why it’s the best beef stew out there.
Ingredients for Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes
To make this beef stew, gather these ingredients:
- Chuck roast (well-marbled)
- Dry red wine
- Beef broth
- Onions
- Garlic
- Balsamic vinegar
- Tomato paste
- Flour
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Sugar
- Carrots
- Potatoes
The chuck roast should have white veins of fat inside. This makes it tender. Any affordable dry red wine like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works well. It boosts your stew’s flavor.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
For the beef stew, pick well-marbled chuck roast. Marbling, those white fat lines, adds taste and keeps the meat tender. When it comes to wine, choose one that you love and goes with beef. It will make your stew rich and full of flavors.
How to Make Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes
Start making your beef stew by getting the ingredients ready. First, cut off big pieces of fat from the chuck roast. Then, sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper for great taste.
Heat up some oil in a big pot. Next, add the chuck roast you seasoned and brown it on all sides. This keeps the juices in and makes a tasty crust. When it’s brown, take it out of the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, put in onions, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Sautee them until they’re soft and smell great. This will take a couple of minutes. Then, add tomato paste and stir for another minute.
Put the chuck roast back in the pot and add some flour. Mix it well so the flour spreads evenly. It’ll help thicken the stew later.
Now, pour in some red wine, beef broth, and water. Mix everything together. Add thyme, bay leaves, and a bit of sugar for flavor. Bring it to a boil.
Cover the pot and move it into an oven that’s been preheated. Let it cook for 2 hours. Cooking slowly at a low heat makes the meat tender and the flavors rich.
After 2 hours, take the pot out of the oven. Add in the carrots and potatoes. Make sure they’re covered by the liquid. These veggies will make your stew even better.
Put everything back in the oven. Cook for another hour. You want the meat to be easy to pierce with a fork. This makes sure your stew is packed with flavor.
When your beef stew is done, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for a bit before serving. You’ll have a tasty, comforting stew that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Beef Stew
This beef stew recipe is very flexible. You can tweak it to fit what you love. Just by making a few changes, you can have several tasty options. Let’s look at some ideas to get you started:
1. Stew Over Buttered Egg Noodles
Change things by putting your beef stew on buttered egg noodles, not potatoes. The gravy mixes with the noodles well. This makes a great mix of tastes and feels.
2. Add Frozen Peas
For a burst of color and a bit of sweet, put in frozen peas near the end of cooking. Peas keep their bright green color. They add a fresh taste against the beef.
3. Sautéed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are great for those who love them. Slice and sauté in a pan until they’re brown. Then, add them to your stew to get that deep, earthy taste.
“The versatility of this beef stew recipe allows you to get creative and add your own favorite ingredients.” – Chef John Doe
Don’t be afraid to try various veggies, herbs, and seasonings in your beef stew. You could also toss in a bit of Worcestershire sauce. Or sprinkle on fresh rosemary or thyme for a richer flavor.
With these ideas, think about how to serve your stew. It’s comfy and filling. A quick tip is to serve it piping hot with some crusty bread. It’s great for sopping up the tasty sauce.
Variation | Serving Suggestion |
---|---|
Stew over Buttered Egg Noodles | Serve the beef stew over buttered egg noodles for a delightful twist. |
Add Frozen Peas | Incorporate frozen peas into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of color and sweetness. |
Sautéed Mushrooms | Enhance the flavor of your beef stew with sautéed mushrooms, adding a delicious earthy taste. |
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
If you don’t like watching a pot, you can make beef stew in your slow cooker. Start by browning the meat and cooking the onions, garlic, and tomato paste in a pan.
“The slow cooker is a perfect tool for creating tender, flavorful beef stew.”
Then, put everything in the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4. Your meat will be tender, and the flavors will mix well.
Cooking with a slow cooker is easy. You can set it up and leave it alone. Coming back to the smell of a cooked meal is always great.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chuck roast and brown on all sides. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until they’re soft, around 5 minutes.
- Then, mix in the tomato paste and cook for one more minute.
- Put the beef, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth and red wine. Add the carrots, potatoes, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef will be tender, and veggies will be soft.
- Take out the bay leaves and add more salt and pepper if you need to.
- Serve while hot and savor it!
This recipe suits busy people who crave a home-cooked meal. The slow cooker blends flavors well, making a comforting stew. It’s perfect with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Savory Beef Stew Recipe
This savory beef stew is famous for its deep flavors. It combines tender beef with wine, broth, onions, and other spices. All of these ingredients are cooked slowly to blend their flavors well. It’s the best dish to warm you up on a chilly evening.
Looking for a classic recipe to cozy up with? You must try this savory beef stew. It features beef with onions, garlic, and more. With every spoonful, you’ll taste the heartiness and comfort of this dish, perfect for cold nights.
The special thing about this stew is how it cooks slowly. This lets the flavors grow and the meat become incredibly soft. Onions, garlic, and spices make the sauce deliciously deep. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Choosing well-marbled beef for this recipe is key. The marbling keeps the meat juicy while cooking. Together with onions, garlic, and spices, the stew becomes rich and satisfying. It truly defines the magic of classic comfort food.
Serve this stew with some bread or mashed potatoes, and everyone will love it. Its warm flavors and tender beef make it perfect for gatherings. Or enjoy it on a quiet night at home. Try this recipe for a taste of the best comfort food ever.
Classic Beef Stew vs. Other Slow-Cooked Dishes
This classic beef stew recipe is part of the French cooking tradition. It’s like other comforting slow-cooked meals such as coq au vin and braised short ribs. These meals take hours to cook, making the meat incredibly tender and the sauces rich. They are great for impressing guests at a big dinner.
Looking for something traditional and heartwarming? The classic beef stew is perfect for you. If you’re up for trying something new, check out coq au vin or braised short ribs.
Coq au vin features chicken cooked with red wine, mushrooms, and onions. It’s a flavorful French dish for a fancy dinner. The chicken becomes incredibly tender in the wine, then it’s served with a savory sauce. Enjoy it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Braised short ribs offer another tasty choice. These ribs simmer slowly in a mix of beef broth, red wine, and herbs. The meat becomes so tender it falls right off the bone. Serve them with mashed potatoes or veggies for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of these dishes. Whether you pick the beef stew, coq au vin, or short ribs, you’re in for a treat. They’re all rich in taste and perfect for meals that matter or just to spoil yourself.
Conclusion
Enjoy the cozy joy of making a homemade beef stew recipe. It has soft meat, a thick sauce, and tasty veggies. It’s ideal for chilly times. Stick to the original recipe or try your twists. This simple stew dish will fill you with warmth and joy. It’s the perfect comfort meal you can make at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this beef stew recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this beef stew ahead by a day or two. It gets even better as the flavors blend. Just pop it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready.
What kind of wine should I use in this beef stew recipe?
Use any dry red wine that’s not expensive. Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon are great choices. They make the stew taste richer.
Can I make this beef stew recipe without potatoes?
Sure thing! You don’t have to include the potatoes. Instead, serve the stew over buttered egg noodles for a tasty twist.
What are some variations I can try with this beef stew recipe?
You can mix it up with this beef stew. Try adding things like frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms at the end. Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize it.
Can I make this beef stew recipe in a slow cooker?
You bet! Making this in a slow cooker is easy. Just brown the meat and do the sautéing on the stove. Then, transfer to the slow cooker and let it cook slowly for a few hours.
What other slow-cooked dishes are similar to this classic beef stew recipe?
Dishes like coq au vin and braised short ribs are similar. They also take a while to cook but reward you with tender meat and flavorful sauces.
Is this classic beef stew recipe suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, this classic beef stew is a great choice for special events. It’s delicious and sure to impress your guests.
Does this beef stew recipe have a savory flavor?
Yes, this stew is all about savory goodness. The beef, wine, and other ingredients work together to give it a deep and rich taste.