There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a classic beef stew simmering on the stove to make your home feel warm and inviting. This recipe is one that I’ve cherished for years, a comforting dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy, chilly evenings. Imagine sitting around the dinner table, the rich, savory scent of beef stew filling the air, creating a sense of warmth and togetherness. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel right at home. Today, I’m thrilled to share this beloved recipe with you, hoping it will bring the same joy and comfort to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Stew
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Heartwarming Comfort: This beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table. There’s something about the rich, meaty aroma and the robust flavors that instantly evoke feelings of warmth and coziness. It’s a dish that speaks to the soul, offering a sense of security and homeliness that is hard to match.
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Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh vegetables, this recipe is both practical and delicious. You don’t need to venture far for exotic ingredients; everything you need is likely already in your kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each flavor to shine, creating a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and comforting, truly elevating your meal with minimal effort.
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Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the beef and an assortment of vitamins from the vegetables, it’s a nourishing meal that’s as good for you as it is tasty. The balance of nutrients makes it a wholesome choice for any day, ensuring that you and your loved ones are getting the sustenance needed to stay healthy, while also indulging in a flavorful dish.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner. As the flavors meld together, they deepen and become more pronounced, offering an even richer taste experience. Preparing a batch in advance can save you time and stress on hectic days, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal with ease.
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Customizable: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand, you can tweak this recipe to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you want to add more vegetables, swap out the protein, or adjust the seasoning to your liking, this stew offers a versatile base that can accommodate a variety of preferences and dietary needs, making it a perfect choice for diverse palates.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes: The key to a tender stew is using a cut of beef that benefits from slow cooking, like beef chuck.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps in browning the meat, adding depth and flavor to the stew.
- 1 onion, chopped: Onions form the base of many dishes, adding a sweet and savory flavor that enhances the overall profile of the stew.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- 4 carrots, sliced: Carrots add sweetness and a pop of color, along with essential nutrients.
- 4 potatoes, diced: Potatoes make the stew hearty and filling, absorbing flavors beautifully as they cook.
- 2 cups beef broth: A rich broth is essential for creating a savory, robust stew.
- 1 cup red wine (optional): The acidity in the wine helps to tenderize the meat and adds complexity to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: This thickens the stew and adds an umami depth that balances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: Thyme offers a subtle earthiness that pairs well with beef.
- 1 bay leaf: A bay leaf adds a subtle, aromatic quality that enhances the stew’s depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh): Peas add a touch of sweetness and a vibrant green color to the stew.
Instructions
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor, as browning creates a caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste of the stew. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This process releases the essential oils in the garlic and onions, building a flavorful base for the stew.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in the beef broth and wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enrich the stew.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a stew that is rich and satisfying.
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Add Peas and Season: Stir in the peas and cook for another 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The peas add a burst of color and freshness to the stew, while the final seasoning ensures all the flavors are balanced.
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Serve: Remove the bay leaf and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness to the dish, enhancing its visual and taste appeal.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools on hand can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring your stew cooks uniformly without hot spots.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and meat. A sharp knife will make the prep work quicker and safer, allowing for precise cuts.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot, maintaining the integrity of your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results, helping you recreate the stew perfectly every time.
- Ladle: Handy for serving the stew without making a mess, ensuring each bowl is filled with tender beef and hearty vegetables.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Each ingredient in this stew serves a purpose, contributing to both the flavor and nutritional profile of the dish.
- Beef Chuck: Known for its marbling, beef chuck becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. It’s a great source of protein, zinc, and B vitamins, supporting muscle growth and immune function.
- Carrots and Potatoes: These root vegetables are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They add texture, sweetness, and heartiness to the stew, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are foundational for flavor development. Onions provide a sweet-savory base, while garlic adds a pungent warmth that permeates the stew, creating a rich depth of flavor.
- Tomato Paste: This ingredient adds depth and richness, along with a hint of acidity that balances the flavors, enhancing the stew’s savory notes.
- Thyme and Bay Leaf: These herbs infuse the stew with a subtle earthiness and aromatic complexity, enhancing the savory notes and elevating the dish.
- Red Wine: Optional but recommended, the wine adds acidity and depth, helping to tenderize the beef and enrich the sauce, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.
What to Serve With This Stew
This hearty beef stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making for a well-rounded meal.
- Crusty Bread: A fresh loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce, allowing you to savor every drop.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew, balancing the richness with a crisp, clean taste.
- Buttered Green Beans: The crispness of green beans provides a nice textural contrast, offering a fresh, vibrant side.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized flavor pairs well with the savory stew, adding a touch of earthiness.
Consider serving a glass of the same red wine used in the stew to complement the meal, enhancing the flavors and making for a cohesive dining experience.
Storage & Leftover Tips
This beef stew is not only delicious fresh but also highly convenient as a make-ahead dish.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the stew even more flavorful the next day, perfect for easy lunches or dinners.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy defrosting and reheating, ensuring you always have a hearty meal on hand.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the stew on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency, ensuring the stew remains as luscious as when it was freshly made.
Creating this classic beef stew is like wrapping your loved ones in a warm, delicious embrace. I hope this recipe becomes a
Air Fryer Chicken Chia
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Sprinkle chia seeds over the coated chicken, pressing gently to help them adhere.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.