How to Make the Perfect Beef Stew for a Cozy Night In

Introduction
Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender meat, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Whether you’re hosting family dinner or craving something warm and nourishing, this beef stew recipe will delight your taste buds. Follow this step-by-step guide to create the perfect stew that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• For the stew:
  • 500g beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups beef stock
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
• Seasonings:
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Lightly coat the beef cubes with flour and add them to the pot.
3. Sear the beef for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add carrots and potatoes, stirring occasionally, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Return the seared beef to the pot.
2. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and the bay leaf.
3. Pour in the beef stock, ensuring the ingredients are fully submerged.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 1.5–2 hours.
2. Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking. Add peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the bay leaf and ladle the stew into bowls.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Use beef chuck for its tender texture after slow cooking.
• To thicken the stew, add a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water during the last 10 minutes.
• Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of red wine during Step 3.

Conclusion
This beef stew is not only hearty and delicious but also easy to prepare with common kitchen ingredients. Perfect for cozy nights, this recipe will become your go-to dish for comfort and warmth. Try it today and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

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“Learn how to make the perfect beef stew with this easy recipe! Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food.”