Best Ever Beef Stew

This Best Ever Beef Stew is rich, hearty, and packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this comforting dish will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (or additional beef broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

For Thickening (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then toss in flour to coat lightly.
3. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add onions, garlic, celery, and carrots.
2. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

1. Add tomato paste and stir well.
2. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and smoked paprika.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.
5. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Finish

1. Stir in potatoes and cook for an additional 30 minutes until tender.
2. Add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
3. If a thicker stew is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it simmer for 5 more minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning adjustments.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed.

Conclusion

This Best Ever Beef Stew is a true comfort classic with rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth beef. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it’s a dish you’ll make again and again!