Ingredients:
2 lb beef stew meat (chuck or round), cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 bay leaves
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 cups baby potatoes, halved
2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Brown the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Add the beef in batches, browning the meat on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Build the Stew Base:
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer the Stew:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves.
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
Add the Vegetables:
After 1.5 hours, add the carrots, parsnips, and baby potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine, then continue simmering for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Finish the Stew:
Once the beef and vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaves. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve:
Ladle the hearty beef stew into a rustic black ceramic bowl. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and chopped parsley.
The glossy brown sauce and vibrant vegetables create a perfect, comforting meal, ideal for a cozy, home-cooked dinner.
