If you’re craving something that wraps you up in warmth and comfort, this Hearty Slow-Simmered Savory Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chunks of beef, rich broth infused with herbs, and a colorful mix of vegetables meld together after hours of slow cooking to create a deeply satisfying and soul-soothing meal. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just one of those days where you want food that tastes like a hug, this stew delivers flavor and heartiness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, humble, and come together to build a stew with layers of flavor and wonderful texture. Each element plays an important role, from the beef that provides the hearty base to the vegetables that add sweetness, bite, and color to the dish.
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes: The perfect cut for slow cooking, becoming meltingly tender and flavorful.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided: Helps thicken the stew, giving it that luscious, velvety texture you want.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For nicely browning the beef and building rich depth at the start of cooking.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the stew.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and a distinctive savory note to every bite.
- 2 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid backbone that simmers with the meat and veggies.
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor): Introduces complexity and richness while tenderizing the beef.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Gives a mild tang and beautiful color to the stew.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and savory layers in the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements beef perfectly with its earthy aroma.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle depth and a fragrant background note during simmering.
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds: Lends sweetness and a pop of color.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks: Soak up the savory liquid while providing satisfying heartiness.
- 2 stalks of celery, sliced: Adds gentle crunch and subtle bitterness to balance the stew.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for freshness and a sweet finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A vibrant garnish that brightens the rich flavors just before serving.
How to Make Hearty Slow-Simmered Savory Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Season and Flour the Beef
Start by seasoning your beef cubes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then, toss them lightly in 2 tablespoons of the all-purpose flour. This not only helps seal in the juices but sets the stage for a beautifully thickened stew later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat up your vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan so each piece gets a nice crust. The caramelization here creates those rich, deep flavors that define the dish. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add your chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This step builds the savory foundation your stew’s flavor rests on.
Step 4: Add Flour and Build the Roux
Sprinkle in the remaining tablespoon of flour and cook everything together for another minute. This helps thicken the stew when you add the liquids—think of it as your flavor and texture thickener coming to life.
Step 5: Deglaze and Add Liquids
Slowly pour in the beef broth while scraping up all those yummy browned bits off the bottom of the pot. If you’re using red wine, add it now. Follow with the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf. These ingredients take your stew from good to unforgettable with their layered complexity.
Step 6: Return Beef and Simmer
Pop the browned beef cubes back into the pot, stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for about 1 and a half hours. This slow simmer is where the magic happens, breaking down tough fibers and melding flavors into one harmonious dish.
Step 7: Add Vegetables
After that long simmer, add in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cover again and let it cook for another 30 to 40 minutes, until the vegetables and beef are tender. These veggies absorb all those fabulous juices while adding their own textures and natural sweetness.
Step 8: Finish with Peas and Seasoning
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, just enough to warm them through without losing their fresh bite. Remove the bay leaf, then taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the stew with fresh chopped parsley to brighten the rich, comforting flavors. Your Hearty Slow-Simmered Savory Beef Stew Recipe is now ready to delight and satisfy!
How to Serve Hearty Slow-Simmered Savory Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the stew, making each spoonful lively and well-rounded.
Side Dishes
This beef stew is hearty on its own, but pairing it with warm crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple buttered egg noodle makes the meal even more comforting. A crisp green salad is a lovely fresh contrast to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy, rustic vibe, serve the stew directly in a bread bowl, allowing guests to tear into the bread soaked with savory broth. Alternatively, ladle it over creamy polenta or fluffy couscous for a twist that adds interesting textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more after sitting, so leftovers often taste better than the first day!
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the stew if it has thickened during storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its balance of fat and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also try brisket or short ribs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as leaner cuts may need less time to avoid drying out.
Is it necessary to use red wine in the stew?
Red wine adds wonderful depth and complexity but is not mandatory. You can simply omit it and replace with an equal amount of additional beef broth. The stew will still be rich and flavorful.
How thick should the stew be?
The perfect hearty slow-simmered savory beef stew has a thick, velvety sauce that coats the chunks of beef and vegetables. If your stew is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer, or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken quickly.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until beef and vegetables are tender. Add peas in the last 30 minutes so they stay bright and fresh.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing flavor?
Slow, gentle reheating on the stovetop keeps the meat tender and allows flavors to mingle again. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you must, heat in short bursts stirring often to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a pot of Hearty Slow-Simmered Savory Beef Stew Recipe bubbling away on the stove, filling your kitchen with incredible aromas and promising comfort. It’s a dish that invites sharing, whether with family, friends, or keeping a cozy bowl all to yourself. Once you make it, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to meals for chilly nights or anytime you want a taste of home. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Hearty Slow-Simmered Savory Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty slow-simmered savory beef stew features tender cubes of beef chuck cooked to perfection with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Rich and flavorful with a touch of red wine and tomato paste, this classic comfort food is perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Flavorings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Vegetables
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks of celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Flour the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then lightly coat them with 2 tablespoons of the all-purpose flour to prepare for browning.
- Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides for a rich flavor development. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and aromatic, deglazing the pot with their natural juices.
- Add Remaining Flour: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour to the onion and garlic mixture, cooking for another minute to lightly toast the flour and thicken the stew afterwards.
- Deglaze with Broth: Gradually pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits, enhancing the stew’s flavor complexity.
- Add Wine and Seasonings: Pour in the optional red wine, then add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf, stirring to combine all flavors evenly.
- Return Beef to Pot: Add the browned beef back to the pot, ensuring it is well coated with the flavorful liquid and seasonings.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Cover again and simmer for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables and beef are tender and cooked through.
- Finish with Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to soften and incorporate their sweetness.
- Final Adjustments: Remove the bay leaf, taste the stew, and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed for balanced flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stew before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- If red wine is not available or preferred, substitute with additional beef broth or grape juice for a similar depth.
- For thicker stew, dissolve a slurry of flour or cornstarch in cold water and stir in near the end of cooking.
- Vegetables can be varied based on preference, such as adding parsnips or turnips.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
- Ensure to brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which prevents proper caramelization.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
