Welcome to our simple and cozy beef stew recipe! This dish is all about bringing together basic ingredients to make a warm and comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for cold nights or anytime you want something that tastes like home. We mix soft beef, colorful veggies, and a tasty broth to make a stew that’s full of flavor. A little red wine and some herbs add an extra special touch. Whether you’re eating with your family or enjoying some quiet time alone, this beef stew is like a warm welcome from the kitchen, promising a delicious and heartwarming experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound (approximately 450 grams) of beef suitable for stewing, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 cup of red wine (choose a variety that’s good for cooking)
- 3 1/2 cups (about 830 milliliters) of beef broth (you can use homemade or opt for a low-sodium store-bought version)
- 2 bay leaves for added flavor
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 teaspoons of salt, adjust to taste
- Additional ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and freshly ground black pepper. Add the beef chunks and toss until they are evenly coated with the flour mixture. This helps in thickening the stew and adding flavor to the beef.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Then, add the sliced carrots and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the red wine vinegar and red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the browned beef back into the pot along with the beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Stew: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for about 1.5 hours. After this time, add the potato chunks and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fall-apart tender.
- Final Seasoning: Remove the bay leaves and discard. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve warm. This dish is perfect on its own or served with crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade, hearty beef stew, a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week.