Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 3 large carrots, sliced
– 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare Beef:**
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

2. **Sauté Vegetables:**
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3. **Deglaze Pot:**
Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

4. **Add Broth and Beef:**
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.

5. **Add Vegetables:**
Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and celery to the pot. Stir to mix the ingredients well. Season with salt and pepper.

6. **Simmer Stew:**
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.

7. **Thicken Stew (Optional):**
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.

8. **Serve:**
Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Garnish the stew with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread.