This Easy Beef Stew recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul on chilly days. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and flavorful broth, it’s a classic dish that’s simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. Follow along to learn how to make this delicious stew that the whole family will love.
Ingredients for Easy Beef Stew
- 2 lbs stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy Beef Stew
- Brown the Beef:
- Season the stew beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Saute Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Saute until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs:
- Return the browned beef cubes to the pot.
- Add carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional):
- If desired, mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir into the stew to thicken the broth. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Serve:
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Easy Beef Stew!
About the Main Ingredients
- Stew Beef: Usually from tougher cuts of beef, it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in the stew.
- Potatoes and Carrots: Add heartiness and texture to the stew, absorbing flavors from the broth and complementing the beef.
- Beef Broth and Red Wine: Provide a rich base for the stew, enhancing its savory depth. Red wine adds complexity and richness to the broth.
- Herbs (Thyme and Rosemary): Infuse the stew with aromatic flavors that marry well with the beef and vegetables.
This Easy Beef Stew is perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd. With its simple preparation and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
