Beef stew with potatoes is a classic and hearty dish that’s perfect for colder days. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe:
Beef stew is the epitome of comfort food – a hearty, soul-warming dish that conjures images of cozy kitchens, crackling fires, and the simple pleasures of home cooking. At its core, beef stew is a celebration of humble ingredients and timeless flavors, brought together in a slow-cooked symphony of taste and texture.
The foundation of any good beef stew is, of course, the beef itself. Tender chunks of beef, marbled with fat and bursting with flavor, are seared to perfection to lock in their juices and create a rich, caramelized crust. This forms the base upon which the rest of the stew can build its depth and complexity of flavor.
But beef stew is more than just meat – it’s a hearty medley of vegetables, herbs, and spices that come together to create a tapestry of taste. Carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery form the backbone of the dish, lending sweetness, earthiness, and texture to the stew.
Meanwhile, aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves infuse the broth with their fragrant essence, adding depth and complexity to every spoonful.
The magic of beef stew lies in its slow, gentle simmering – a process that allows the flavors to meld and mingle, transforming simple ingredients into a symphony of taste and texture.
As the stew simmers away on the stove or in the oven, the beef becomes meltingly tender, the vegetables soften and soak up the savory broth, and the flavors intensify with each passing hour.
The result is a dish that’s rich, hearty, and utterly satisfying – a culinary masterpiece that warms the body and soul with every spoonful. Whether enjoyed on a chilly winter’s evening, a lazy Sunday afternoon, or as a comforting meal shared with loved ones, beef stew is a timeless classic that never fails to delight.
With its rustic charm, robust flavors, and comforting appeal, it’s no wonder that beef stew holds a special place in the hearts and kitchens of home cooks around the world.
Ingredients:
- – 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- – 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- – 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- – 2 celery stalks, sliced
- – 1 onion, diced
- – 3 cloves garlic, minced
- – 4 cups beef broth
- – 1 cup red wine (optional)
- – 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- – 2 bay leaves
- – 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- – Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, sliced celery, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Once the stew is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
9. Ladle the beef stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
10. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful beef stew with potatoes!
This beef stew with potatoes is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and savory broth come together to create a delicious and comforting dish that everyone will love.