This classic beef stew recipe is a hearty, warming dish perfect for cold weather. It's a one-pot meal filled with tender chunks of beef and a medley of vegetables, all cooked slowly to perfection. The rich, savory broth is enhanced by herbs and a hint of tomato, making it an ultimate comfort food that's both nourishing and satisfying.
Most ingredients for this recipe are staple pantry items, but there are a few things you might need to look for. Chuck roast is the cut of beef typically used for stew; it's rich in connective tissue that breaks down over long, slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. If it's not already cut into chunks at your supermarket, you can ask the butcher to do it for you. You'll also need Yukon potatoes, which have a buttery texture that works well in stew. If you can't find them, you can substitute other waxy potatoes.
Ingredients for Classic Beef Stew
Chuck roast: The star of the stew, chuck roast is a cut of beef that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Kosher salt: Used to season the beef and enhance its flavor.
Coarse ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat to the stew.
Flour: Helps to thicken the stew.
Unsalted butter and canola oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
Yellow onion: Gives the stew a sweet, caramelized flavor.
Garlic cloves: Adds a depth of flavor.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the stew.
Yukon potatoes: These potatoes maintain their texture in the stew and add a creaminess.
Beef broth: Forms the base of the stew's liquid.
Tomato paste: This adds depth and a subtle tanginess to the stew.
Bay leaf and thyme: These herbs impart a savory, earthy flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity with its sweet, sour, and salty taste.
One reader, Brandy Hare says:
This classic beef stew recipe is a game-changer! The meat is so tender and flavorful, and the combination of vegetables and herbs creates a rich, hearty taste. It's the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for chilly evenings. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Making Classic Beef Stew
How to brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven on medium heat, add the butter and canola oil. Brown the beef on all sides in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. This step adds flavor to the stew by caramelizing the meat.
How to caramelize the vegetables: After browning the beef, add the onions, garlic, and carrots to the Dutch oven. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly caramelized. This process enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, adding depth of flavor to the stew.
How to cook in the oven: After combining all the ingredients in the Dutch oven, cover it and cook in the preheated oven at 325 degrees F for 3 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
How to remove the bay leaf: Before serving the stew, remember to remove the bay leaf. This step is crucial as bay leaves are not meant to be eaten and can be a choking hazard.
How To Make Classic Beef Stew
Nothing beats the traditional flavors of beef stew, one that’s loaded with tender veggies, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a delectable dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3lbchuck roast,cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspcoarse ground black pepper
- 2tbspflour
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- 2tbspcanola oil
- ½yellow onion,chopped
- 4garlic cloves,minced
- 2carrots,cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2Yukon potatoes,chopped
- 4cupsbeef broth
- ¼cuptomato paste
- 1bay leaf
- 1tspthyme
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and season the beef chunks with salt and pepper before dredging in flour.
-
Add the butter and canola oil to a large dutch oven on medium heat and brown the beef on all sides in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
-
Remove the last batch of the beef and add in the onions, garlic, and carrots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly caramelized before adding the potatoes in along with the broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce and stirring to combine.
-
Add the beef back into the pot, cover and cook in the oven for 3 hours. Remove the bay leaf.
-
Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 367.07kcal
- Fat: 15.72g
- Saturated Fat: 5.78g
- Trans Fat: 0.55g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.53g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.16g
- Carbohydrates: 17.19g
- Fiber: 2.22g
- Sugar: 3.36g
- Protein: 40.39g
- Cholesterol: 116.49mg
- Sodium: 699.41mg
- Calcium: 54.15mg
- Potassium: 1304.46mg
- Iron: 5.80mg
- Vitamin A: 163.61µg
- Vitamin C: 14.71mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Beef Stew
When browning the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan. This is because too much meat in the pan at once can cause it to steam rather than brown, which can affect the overall flavor of the stew. Instead, brown the meat in batches, giving each piece enough space to sear properly. This will give your beef stew a richer, deeper flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Beef Stew
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and trim meat the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a slow cooker: Consider using a slow cooker for this recipe to save time and effort in the kitchen.
Buy pre-cut vegetables: Opt for pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store to cut down on prep time.
Multi-task: While the stew is cooking, use the time to prepare side dishes or clean up the kitchen.
Invest in a pressure cooker: A pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time for this stew recipe.
One-pot meal: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot to minimize cleanup time.
Freeze leftovers: Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for quick and easy meals in the future.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, organize all the ingredients and utensils to streamline the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Classic Beef Stew Recipe
chuck roast - Substitute with beef brisket: Beef brisket is a flavorful cut of beef that works well in stews and braises, and it will provide a similar rich and tender texture to the stew.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile to kosher salt, and can be used in the same quantity for seasoning.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with cracked black pepper: Cracked black pepper provides a similar texture and flavor to coarse ground black pepper, and can be used in the same quantity for seasoning.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of flour, and it will provide a similar consistency to the stew.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter to sauté the ingredients, and it adds a rich flavor to the stew.
canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used in place of canola oil for sautéing and cooking the ingredients.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a similar flavor profile to yellow onions and can be used as a substitute in the stew.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor to the stew.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor similar to carrots, and they can be used as a substitute in the stew.
yukon potatoes - Substitute with red potatoes: Red potatoes have a waxy texture and hold their shape well when cooked, making them a suitable substitute for Yukon potatoes in the stew.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth to create a vegetarian version of the stew.
tomato paste - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, providing a similar tomato flavor and richness to the stew.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for bay leaf to add a subtle earthy and floral flavor to the stew.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme, adding a piney and peppery flavor to the stew.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce to add a savory and umami flavor to the stew.
Serving Suggestions for a Delicious Beef Stew
Elevate the plating: When presenting the classic beef stew, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the stew, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed and the broth is visible.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Sprinkle the herbs lightly over the stew just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and add a pop of flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider serving the beef stew with a side of crispy baguette slices or artisanal breadsticks. The contrast in textures will add depth to the dining experience and provide a delightful crunch alongside the hearty stew.
Use high-quality dinnerware: Opt for fine, high-quality dinnerware to serve the beef stew. Choose elegant, minimalist plates and bowls that complement the rustic charm of the dish while adding a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Accentuate with a drizzle: Before serving, consider drizzling a swirl of rich, flavorful olive oil over the beef stew. This not only enhances the aroma but also adds a luxurious sheen to the dish, elevating its visual appeal.
Pair with a complementary beverage: To complete the presentation, suggest a carefully selected wine or beverage pairing that harmonizes with the flavors of the beef stew. This thoughtful addition enhances the overall dining experience and showcases your attention to detail.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Classic Beef Stew
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, ideal for braising, stewing, and slow cooking.
Tongs: Essential for flipping and turning meat and vegetables while cooking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for the recipe.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients in a pot or pan.
Oven: Used for roasting and baking the stew to perfection.
Kitchen timer: Helpful for keeping track of cooking times and ensuring the stew is cooked to perfection.
Can opener: Needed to open cans of ingredients such as tomato paste and beef broth.
Peeler: Used for peeling the carrots and potatoes before adding them to the stew.
Storing and Freezing Classic Beef Stew
Allow the beef stew to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and diluting the flavors.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together over time.
When reheating refrigerated stew, bring it to a simmer on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.
To freeze the stew, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents.
Frozen beef stew can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
When reheating frozen stew, thaw it completely in the refrigerator first. Then, transfer the stew to a pot and reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a simmer and is heated through. Adjust the seasoning if needed and add a little extra beef broth or water if the stew has become too thick.
For best results, avoid freezing potatoes in the stew, as they can become grainy and mushy when thawed. If you plan to freeze the stew, consider adding cooked potatoes when reheating the thawed stew.
How To Reheat Leftover Beef Stew
Reheat the beef stew in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating without overcooking the vegetables or meat.
If the stew has thickened too much during storage, add a small amount of beef broth or water to help loosen it up and achieve the desired consistency.
For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Transfer the desired portion of beef stew to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat the stew in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
If you have stored the beef stew in a freezer-safe container, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will help the stew reheat more evenly and prevent any cold spots in the center.
To add a fresh flavor to your reheated beef stew, consider garnishing it with some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can also enhance the taste.
If you want to give your leftover beef stew a crispy topping, transfer it to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the top, and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Interesting Trivia About Beef Stew
The classic beef stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings to suit individual tastes. This recipe is a great way to make use of tougher cuts of meat, as the slow cooking process tenderizes the beef, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew. It's a perfect meal for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd, and leftovers often taste even better the next day. Whether served with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, this timeless dish is sure to satisfy.
Is Making Beef Stew at Home Cost-Effective?
This classic beef stew recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like chuck roast, carrots, and potatoes makes it budget-friendly. The dish provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $20. The rich flavors and tender beef make it a comforting and delicious option. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is Classic Beef Stew Healthy or Unhealthy?
This classic beef stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe uses chuck roast, which is a fattier cut of beef. While this contributes to the rich flavor, it also adds saturated fat to the dish.
- The use of butter and canola oil for browning the meat adds additional fat to the recipe.
- The recipe does not include a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
However, the recipe does have some positive aspects, such as the use of nutrient-dense ingredients like onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. The beef broth also provides a good source of protein and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or round roast, to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the dish.
- Use a smaller amount of oil or replace the butter and canola oil with heart-healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil.
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the stew. Consider adding celery, parsnips, peas, or other nutrient-dense vegetables to boost the fiber and vitamin content.
- Reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium beef broth and adjusting the amount of added salt to taste.
- Serve the stew with a side of whole grains, such as brown rice or whole-wheat bread, to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Classic Beef Stew Recipe
This classic beef stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chuck roast, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful broth creates a rich and satisfying stew. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and comforting meal. However, I would suggest adding a touch of red wine for depth of flavor and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a hint of acidity. Overall, this recipe is a timeless favorite that is sure to warm the soul.
Enhance Your Classic Beef Stew Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Perfect Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Beef Stew
Why trust this Classic Beef Stew Recipe:
This classic beef stew recipe is a timeless favorite, crafted with care and expertise. The chuck roast is carefully seasoned and seared to perfection, ensuring a rich and flavorful base. The addition of onions, garlic, and carrots provides depth and complexity, while the Yukon potatoes offer a comforting and hearty element. The use of high-quality beef broth and Worcestershire sauce enhances the savory profile, creating a truly satisfying dish. Trust in this recipe's meticulous attention to detail and traditional cooking methods for a delightful dining experience.
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