Beef Stew Classic

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Return beef to the pot, add beef broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
  6. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Continue to simmer for 30–40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  7. Optional: To thicken the stew, mix flour with a little cold water to make a slurry and stir into the stew. Cook an additional 5–10 minutes.
  8. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 2–2.5 h
Total Time: 2 h 20 min–2 h 40 min
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

  • Use beef stew meat or short ribs for more flavor
  • Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or turnips for a different twist
  • Add peas or green beans in the last 10 minutes for extra color and nutrients
  • Use red wine instead of part of the broth for richer depth

Serving Suggestions

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