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Beef Stew Recipe Easy Perfect Cozy Slow Simmer for Chilly Nights

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A comforting and hearty beef stew simmered slowly to tender perfection, perfect for chilly nights. Made with simple ingredients and a rich, flavorful broth, this stew is a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet or Merlot) – optional but recommended
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (about 30 grams)
  • Optional: parsnips or turnips, peeled and chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss the beef in flour until lightly coated. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven. Brown beef in batches, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Set browned beef aside. (15 minutes)
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another minute. (8 minutes)
  4. Pour in red wine and scrape up browned bits. Let reduce by half. (5 minutes)
  5. Stir in tomato paste, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. (2 minutes)
  6. Return beef and any juices to pot. Add beef broth to cover meat and veggies. Bring to a gentle boil. (3 minutes)
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until beef is fork-tender and broth thickens.
  8. About 45 minutes before finishing, stir in potatoes and optional root veggies. Continue simmering until tender but not mushy. (45 minutes)
  9. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Browning the beef properly locks in flavor and texture. Use low heat for simmering to tenderize beef slowly. If stew is too thin, thicken with a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water. Potatoes should be added about 45 minutes before the end to avoid disintegration. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Red wine is optional but adds depth. Leftovers taste better after a day and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, slow simmer, cozy dinner, comfort food, easy beef stew, hearty stew, chilly night meal

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/beef-stew-recipe-easy-perfect-cozy-slow-simmer-for-chilly-nights/