Ah, Homemade Beef Stew! Is there anything cozier than the aroma of stew bubbling away on the stove on a chilly day? I mean, I get nostalgic just thinking about it! Growing up, my mom would whip up a big pot of this hearty goodness whenever the colder months rolled in. The whole house would smell heavenly, and we would all gather around the table, ready to dig in. It just feels like a big warm hug, don’t you think?
What I love most about beef stew is its hit of comfort wrapped in simplicity. You can take a couple of chunks of beef and some veggies, and voila! You’ve got a meal that feels like a feast. It’s like magic, really! So let’s roll up our sleeves and make this delicious dish together!
What’s in Homemade Beef Stew?
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the glorious ingredients that make this stew so satisfying:
Beef Chuck: The star of the show! This cut is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes beautifully tender and flavorful after simmering away.
Olive Oil: A must-have for browning the beef. It adds a lovely richness and helps everything avoid sticking to the pot.
Onion: A staple in many dishes! It adds a delicious base flavor to our stew.
Garlic: Because who can resist garlic? It brings an amazing aroma and depth to the stew.
Carrots: These sweet beauties add a pop of color and taste to our hearty dish.
Potatoes: They soak up all the tasty juices and contribute to the meal’s heartiness.
Green Peas: These little gems add a touch of sweetness and contrast to the stewed meat. Fresh or frozen, they work like a charm.
Beef Broth: Liquid gold! It keeps the stew moist and elevates the flavor profile immensely.
Tomato Paste: This adds rich umami and a slight sweetness, bringing everything together wonderfully.
Dried Thyme and Rosemary: Perfect herbs for a cozy stew; they fill your kitchen with delightful aromas as they cook.
Bay Leaves: They add subtle flavor complexity – just remember to take them out before serving!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of this at the end adds freshness and a nice color pop.
Is Homemade Beef Stew Good for You?
Yes, it absolutely can be! Homemade Beef Stew is a fantastic way to pack in some nutrients while enjoying a hearty meal.
Beef Chuck: It’s rich in protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health, plus it contains iron which is great for boosting your energy levels.
Carrots and Potatoes: These starchy vegetables provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive health.
Green Peas: These little guys are a powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K, provides protein, and they have antioxidants, too!
Something to keep in mind is portion control, especially if the stew is made with rich beef broth or excess amounts of oil. However, as part of a balanced diet, there’s nothing wrong with indulging a little in this cozy meal.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 carrots, sliced
– 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 2 bay leaves
– Fresh parsley for garnish
This recipe serves about 6 people, so it’s perfect for sharing!
How to Make Homemade Beef Stew?
Here’s how to bring this beauty to life:
1. Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your beef cubes with salt and pepper, and then add them to the pot in batches. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened. It’ll get aromatic, and you’ll know you’re on the right track. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting its fragrance fill your kitchen.
3. Return those beautiful, browned beef cubes to the pot. Add in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and green peas. Stir everything together like you’re giving it a big hearty hug!
4. Pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a hearty boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it stew for about 2 hours.
5. Stir occasionally like a true stew warrior! After about two hours, check that the beef is fork-tender. Taste and adjust your seasoning as necessary. Don’t forget to fish out those bay leaves before serving!
6. Ladle your steamy concoction into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a lovely finish.
Perfect Pairings for Beef Stew
Want to elevate your stew experience? Serve it with freshly baked crusty bread on the side for some delightful dipping! You could also pair it with a green salad to balance out the meal. And if you want to really impress, throw in some crusty garlic bread – now that’s what I call comfort food magic!
Now that you have the scoop on this comforting Homemade Beef Stew, I can’t wait for you to give it a try! I’d love to hear about your experiences with this recipe, whether it’s the first time or you’ve made it a family staple! Let’s get stewin’!
