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To make your classic hearty beef stew, you need these key ingredients: - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 carrots, sliced - 4 medium-sized potatoes, diced - 2 stalks celery, chopped - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 2 bay leaves - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich and warm flavor. The beef chuck gives a nice texture and taste. The veggies add color and nutrients. You can also add a few optional ingredients: - 1 cup frozen peas (for a pop of color) These extras can enhance the stew's look and flavor. The peas add sweetness and brightness. For a finishing touch, consider these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped Garnishing with parsley gives a fresh taste and a splash of color. It makes the dish even more inviting. Serve your stew in rustic bowls, paired with crusty bread for a complete meal. The Full Recipe will guide you in making this heartwarming dish. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need beef chuck, onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, celery, and spices. Chop the onions and garlic, slice the carrots, and dice the potatoes. This prep makes cooking easier. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once it's hot, add the beef cubes in batches. Browning the meat gives it flavor. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until brown. Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions. Sauté them until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This step builds a great base for your stew. Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste to coat everything. Next, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Now, add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the stew to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This helps the beef become tender and the flavors to mix. Stir occasionally. If it looks dry, add more broth or water. If you want to add peas, do so about 10 minutes before serving. They should be bright and warm. Before you serve, take out the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper if needed. When ready, ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. Serve with crusty bread on the side. This meal will warm your soul. Enjoy! For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. To make beef tender, choose the right cut. I recommend beef chuck. It has more fat and flavor. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. When you brown the beef, let it sit in the pot for a few minutes. This creates a nice crust. This crust adds flavor to your stew. Simmer the stew for at least 1.5 hours. This slow cooking breaks down tough fibers. The beef will become soft and juicy. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. They add depth to your stew. Don’t forget the bay leaves; they give a nice aroma. Adding tomato paste helps create a rich base. You can also sprinkle in a bit of Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick. If you like, toss in a splash of red wine. It adds richness and rounds out the flavor profile. For a hint of sweetness, add a bit of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar. Want to save time? Chop your veggies ahead of time. You can store them in the fridge. This way, they are ready when you cook. Use a pressure cooker for faster results. It can cut the cooking time in half. If you have leftovers, make a big batch. You can freeze extra stew for later. This makes weekday meals easy. Just reheat and enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the Classic Hearty Beef Stew section above. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your beef stew by adding different vegetables. Try using green beans or parsnips for a fresh twist. Sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness that complements the beef. You can also toss in some mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor. Just remember to cut the veggies into similar sizes for even cooking. If you want to switch up the meat, there are great options! Pork shoulder works well and gives a different flavor. Chicken thighs can also be a tasty choice, though they cook faster. For a gamey taste, try venison or lamb. Each meat brings its own unique character to the stew. You can make a hearty stew without meat. Use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to keep it rich. Add lentils or chickpeas for protein and texture. This way, you create a stew that is warm and filling, perfect for everyone. For the full recipe, check out Classic Hearty Beef Stew. After enjoying your hearty beef stew, let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the stew to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. To avoid spoilage, make sure it is sealed tightly. Label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. To reheat the beef stew, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, pour the stew into a pot. Heat it on low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. It should be heated through in about 10 to 15 minutes. If using a microwave, place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Make sure the stew is hot all the way through before serving. If you want to keep your stew longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal them tightly and label with the date. Your stew can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can reheat it as described above. Enjoy your flavorful meal anytime! Classic Hearty Beef Stew lasts 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it first before you seal it up. If you freeze it, it can last for about 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. Yes, you can use a slow cooker for this recipe. First, brown the beef on the stove. Then, place all your ingredients into the slow cooker. Cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This will help the flavors mix well. Beef stew pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread for dipping - Mashed potatoes for a creamy touch - Rice to soak up the sauce - A fresh salad for a light contrast These sides will make your meal even more satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the Classic Hearty Beef Stew section! You learned about making classic hearty beef stew. We covered key ingredients, from main to optional. You now know the best cooking steps and helpful tips to make your stew taste great. There are many variations you can try, including vegetarian options. You also gained insight on storing and reheating leftovers. This dish is perfect for sharing and enjoying. Take these tips and create your own stew masterpiece. Happy cooking!

Classic Hearty Beef Stew

Savor the warmth of classic hearty beef stew with this easy recipe that’s perfect for chilly nights! Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors, this comforting dish is sure to delight your family. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create a delicious meal in just over two hours. Don’t miss out on this culinary delight—click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dining experience today!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 carrots, sliced

4 medium-sized potatoes, diced

2 stalks celery, chopped

4 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, making sure to coat the beef evenly.

        Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot, followed by the beef broth.

          Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

            Let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if necessary.

              If using, add the frozen peas about 10 minutes before serving. They should be heated through but still bright in color.

                Before serving, remove the bay leaves and taste the stew for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.

                  Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                    Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 2 hours 20 min | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the stew in rustic bowls with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a vibrant look.