Easy Homemade Beef Stew – Experience the comfort by immersing yourself in a bowl of our delectable and fuss-free Homemade Beef Stew. This heartwarming dish embodies the essence of American cuisine showcasing tender beef chunks, wholesome vegetables and an array of aromatic herbs that harmonize flawlessly with each spoonful. Prepare yourself for a medley of flavors and warmth that will envelop your taste buds with every bite.
I can still vividly recall the time I whipped up this Homemade Beef Stew. It was a chilly evening. As the enticing fragrance of simmering beef and vegetables filled the air in our kitchen it beckoned my husband and child to gather around the inviting table. Their eyes gleamed with excitement as they savored their first mouthfuls instantly confirming that I had stumbled upon something remarkable with this recipe. It has since become a family favorite—a masterpiece that unites us all regardless of life’s hectic pace.
What makes this Easy Homemade Beef Stew truly special?
Indulge in the epitome of indulgence with our Easy Homemade Beef Stew—a tribute to simplicity and allure. This stew effortlessly intertwines succulent beef morsels, robust vegetables, and an orchestra of flavors that gracefully waltz across your palate. This wonderful dish not only has an appeal but also features tender slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth. It is accompanied by a blend of carrots and potatoes. The flavors are elevated with the combination of tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and fragrant thyme. With every spoonful, you can feel the comforting taste of goodness that goes beyond a meal. It’s an opportunity to savor the simple joys that life offers.
What You Need To Make This Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe?
Beef Chuck Roast: For the best outcome choose a beef chuck roast that’s well-marbled. The marbling adds richness and tenderness, to the stew as it cooks slowly. Before cutting the roast into 2-inch chunks make sure to trim away any fat to ensure a lean stew.
Flour: Coating the beef with flour before browning serves two purposes; it enhances the flavor and texture of the meat while also helping to thicken the stew as it cooks. If you prefer a gluten-free option you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Onion and Garlic: The chopped onion and minced garlic are essential for building flavor in this stew. Sautéing them before adding the remaining ingredients releases their savory essence infusing the entire dish, with deliciousness.
Carrots and Yukon Gold potatoes: Incorporate both carrots and Yukon Gold potatoes into your stew to add color and substance. The carrots contribute a hint of sweetness while the potatoes provide comforting heartiness. To maintain the texture of the carrots it’s best to keep them in pieces during the cooking process.
Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce: To enhance the flavor tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce play a role in this recipe. They add depth and complexity to the stew taking it from ordinary, to extraordinary.
Thyme leaves: For an added touch of freshness garnish with some thyme leaves. Not only will they bring a burst of color. They’ll also infuse a delightful herbal fragrance. If you prefer, feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or parsley.
Salt and pepper: When it comes to salt and pepper taste is subjective. While the recipe provides measurements for salt and coarsely ground pepper make sure to give your stew a taste after cooking. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember, it’s easier to add more if needed than trying to fix a salty dish later on.
Steps To Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew:
Step 1: To start preheat your oven to 325°F.
Step 2: Begin by seasoning the beef chunks, with salt and coarsely ground pepper making sure to evenly coat them. Sprinkle flour over the beef. Toss it all together until each chunk is coated.
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Step 3: In a large Dutch oven warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef on all sides in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per batch. At this stage don’t worry about cooking the beef. Transfer the beef to a plate.
Step 4: Now add chopped onions, garlic, and carrot chunks to the oven. Sauté them for around 2 to 3 minutes until they take on color.
Step 5: Next include potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce into the pot. Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Allow everything to gently simmer while stirring occasionally. Return the beef back into the pot. Cover it with a lid before transferring it to your preheated oven.
Step 7: Let the stew cook for 2 to 2.5 hours or until you achieve your desired level of tenderness in the beef. Once done cooking remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste test your stew and season with salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 8: Enjoy the delicious Easy Homemade Beef Stew while it’s still warm and feel free to add a touch of freshness with some freshly picked thyme leaves. Each mouthful of this comforting dish brings together a combination of flavors that will warm your heart in no time.
Tip:
For a intensified flavor you might want to try making the stew a day in advance. Like a wine this stew gets better with time as the flavors blend and deepen. When reheated on the stove it becomes a masterpiece that highlights the harmony of ingredients that have had ample opportunity to mingle together.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Of course! While beef chuck roast works well you can also try using other cuts, like stewing beef or even lamb to give it a unique twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, this stew often tastes better when made ahead of time as the flavors have time to blend together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Gently reheat before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely. Divide the stew into containers that are suitable for freezing. You can keep them for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or, in the microwave.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Homemade Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Beef Chuck Roast cut into 2-inch chunks, excess fat removed
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour or Whole Wheat for non-gluten
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- ½ Yellow Onion chopped large
- 4 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 Large Carrot or two small-medium cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 Yukon Gold Potatoes diced into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- ¼ cup Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme Leaves to garnish
Instructions
- Prep and Season: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Cut the beef into 2-inch chunks removing any fat. Sprinkle the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper and 2 tablespoons of flour.
- Browning the Beef: Take a large Dutch oven. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the beef chunks in batches for 3 to 4 minutes each o medium heat. Once browned remove them from the pot. Set them aside.
- Sautéing Aromatics: In the pot add half of a chopped onion along with garlic cloves (4 in total) and carrot chunks. Sauté them together for around 2 to 3 minutes.
- Adding Ingredients: Add in 2 diced potatoes, beef broth (2 cups), tomato paste (¼ cup), Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon), a bay leaf and thyme leaves (about 2 teaspoons).
- Mix all the ingredients well and add back the browned beef chunks. Cover the pot. Place it in the oven to bake for 2 2.5 hours.
- Taste and Serve: Once done baking taste the stew to check if any additional seasoning is needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving it. You can sprinkle some thyme on top for added flavor.
- Enjoy the Comfort: Delight yourself by diving into bowls this Easy Homemade Beef Stew that offers tender beef pieces and hearty flavors.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
