Savory Winter Beef Stew
Winter is the perfect season for hearty, warming meals that bring comfort and joy. This Savory Winter Beef Stew is a rich and flavorful dish, packed with tender beef, a variety of vegetables, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. It’s an ideal meal for cold evenings, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a cozy, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 carrots peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks sliced
- 4 potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine optional
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they brown properly.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Peel and slice the carrots, and slice the celery stalks. Peel and cube the potatoes.
Step 2: Browning the Beef
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Building the Stew Base
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize it slightly.
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
- Add the beef broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Simmering the Stew
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- Add the cubed potatoes and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Thickening the Stew
- In a small bowl, mix the flour and butter to form a paste (beurre manié).
- Stir the paste into the stew to thicken it. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Adding the Final Touches
- Add the frozen peas and corn. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
Savory Winter Beef Stew: Best Winter Recipe
Nutrition
Calories: 438.8kcalCarbohydrates: 33.6gProtein: 27.8gFat: 21.9gSaturated Fat: 8.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 11.4gTrans Fat: 0.9gCholesterol: 85.8mgSodium: 626.6mgPotassium: 1182.6mgFiber: 5.4gSugar: 4.5gVitamin A: 5537.1IUVitamin C: 34.3mgCalcium: 71.7mgIron: 4.6mg