Easy Homemade Beef Stew

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Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe – Hearty, Tender, and Flavorful

This easy homemade beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings. Made with beef chuck roast, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a delicious, tender beef stew every time. The slow-cooked beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the carrots, potatoes, and onions absorb all the flavors of the broth. Whether you’re looking for a classic beef stew recipe or a hearty meal for chilly days, this stew is sure to please. Serve it with fresh bread or rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

This Easy Homemade Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this stew simmers in the oven, allowing all the flavors to meld into a delicious, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 2-inch chunks, excess fat removed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for non-gluten)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 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
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss to coat the pieces evenly.
3. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the beef chunks in batches, cooking each batch for 3-4 minutes on all sides. The beef doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, garlic, and carrots to the Dutch oven. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly browned.
5. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and fresh thyme to the Dutch oven. Stir to combine, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Simmer: Bring the stew to a simmer, then return the browned beef to the pot. Stir everything together and cover the Dutch oven.
7. Cook in the Oven: Transfer the covered Dutch oven to the preheated oven. Cook the stew for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors are fully developed. Remove the bay leaf.
8. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

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Tips

• Brown the Beef Well: Browning the beef in batches helps develop a deep, rich flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot to ensure each piece gets nicely browned.
• Use a Heavy Pot: A Dutch oven or another heavy, oven-safe pot is ideal for this recipe. It helps maintain even heat while cooking.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the stew is too thick for your liking, add extra beef broth or a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version of this stew.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, peas, or green beans for more flavor and texture.
• Potato Substitution: If you prefer a different type of potato, russet or red potatoes also work well in this stew.

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FAQs

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this stew in a slow cooker, brown the beef and vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the broth and other ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I freeze beef stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I use a different cut of beef?
While chuck roast is ideal for stews due to its marbling and tenderness, you can substitute it with other cuts such as round roast or stew meat. Just keep in mind that some cuts may not be as tender as chuck.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the beef stew with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or additional thyme for a burst of freshness.
• Pair with Rice: Serve the stew over a bed of fluffy rice for a heartier meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Homemade Beef Stew is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The beef becomes tender and juicy after slow simmering in a flavorful broth, and the vegetables add texture and sweetness. It’s an ideal meal for colder months or when you need something warm and hearty to feed your family. Plus, it’s simple to make and perfect for leftovers, making it a go-to dinner recipe that everyone will love!