Hearty Beef Stew

This classic Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory, rich broth. Perfect for chilly days, this stew brings warmth and flavor to your table. With a combination of aromatic herbs, robust red wine, and a touch of tomato paste, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

• For the Beef:
• 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For Cooking:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups beef broth
• ½ cup red wine (optional)
• Vegetables:
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Seasoning and Thickener:
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh rosemary)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or more if needed)
• 2 tablespoons water (or more if needed)
• ¾ cup peas

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:
In a large bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the beef cubes in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.

2. Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef cubes and onions, cooking until the beef is browned on all sides and the onions are softened.

3. Build the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and optional red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor.

4. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
Stir in the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the stew simmer for about 1–1½ hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

5. Thicken the Stew:
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the simmering stew, adding just enough to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to avoid lumps.

6. Final Touches:
Add the peas to the stew and simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

7. Serve:
Ladle the beef stew into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent meal.

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Tips for Perfect Beef Stew

• Choose the Right Cut:
  Use well-marbled beef like chuck roast for tender, flavorful results.
• Brown the Beef:
  Take time to sear the beef—it adds depth to the stew’s flavor.
• Layer Flavors:
  Adding a splash of red wine enhances the richness of the broth, but you can substitute with additional beef broth if preferred.
• Make It Ahead:
  Stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Customize Veggies:
  Add mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips for variety.
• Freezing and Storing:
  This stew freezes well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

This Hearty Beef Stew is a timeless dish that delivers cozy satisfaction every time!