Ingredients:
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes 🥩
3 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 medium onion, chopped 🧅
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
4 cups beef broth 🍲
1 cup red wine (optional but adds depth) 🍷
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced 🥔
3 carrots, sliced 🥕
3 celery stalks, chopped 🌿
1 cup frozen peas (optional) 🟢
2 tsp dried thyme 🌿
1 tsp dried rosemary 🌱
2 bay leaves 🍃
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening) 🥄
Let’s Make It Happen:
Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, making sure each piece gets a good sear. Remove the beef and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the Liquids:
Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Simmer the Stew:
Add the browned beef back into the pot along with potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you like a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp of flour with a bit of water to form a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook for another 10 minutes to thicken.
Finish and Serve:
Stir in frozen peas if using, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Tips for Extra Magic:
Add a tablespoon of tomato paste while sautéing the onions for a rich depth of flavor. 🍅
For an extra hearty stew, try adding parsnips or turnips along with the carrots. 🥔🥕
Serve with a side of crusty bread or biscuits for the ultimate comfort meal. 🍞
Enjoy:
This Ultimate Comfort Best Ever Beef Stew is perfect for cozy dinners, bringing you tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that will warm you from the inside out. 🍖🥔🍲
