This Cozy Stove Top Beef Stew is like a warm hug in a bowl! With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Every spoonful makes you feel at home, and the smell while it cooks? Pure magic! I love serving it with crusty bread—it’s a great way to soak up all that tasty goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: Chuck is great for stews as it becomes tender with slow cooking. If you’re looking for something leaner, you could use brisket or round steak, but ensure they have enough marbling for flavor.
Vegetable Oil/Olive Oil: Either oil works, but if you want a richer taste, use olive oil. If you’re avoiding oil altogether, you can sauté the onions in a bit of beef broth instead.
Red Wine: This adds depth to the stew. If you prefer not to use wine, simply use an extra cup of beef broth. You can also use non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice diluted with a bit of vinegar.
Carrots and Potatoes: Feel free to swap these for other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes, which add different flavors and nutrients to the stew.
Dried Herbs: If you have fresh herbs, they work wonderfully! For thyme and rosemary, just double the amount of fresh herbs to get that flavor boost.
How Do I Get My Beef Stew to Be Extra Flavorful?
Developing flavor in your beef stew starts from the very first step. Browning the beef creates a delicious base for the stew. here are key tips:
- Make sure your beef is dry before browning. Pat it with paper towels.
- Brown in batches to avoid steaming the meat. This ensures all sides get a nice crust.
- After sautéing the onions and garlic, add a sprinkle of flour; this helps thicken the stew and adds depth.
- Scraping up those browned bits from the pot while adding liquids enhances the overall flavor.
These steps are simple, but they make a big difference! Your stew will be rich and hearty, perfect for a cozy meal.
Cozy Stove Top Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with extra beef broth)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or a couple sprigs fresh)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy beef stew will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 1.5 to 2 hours to cook. It simmers gently on the stove, allowing all those delicious flavors to come together. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper. In batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onions until they’re translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Making the Base:
Now, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to combine. This will thicken your stew. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Adding Liquids and Flavor:
Slowly stir in the beef broth and red wine, if you’re using it. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor. Next, mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and more salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bringing it All Together:
Return the browned beef to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Give everything a good stir to combine.
6. Simmering the Stew:
Bring your stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Your goal is for the beef to be fork-tender and the vegetables to be soft.
7. Final Touches:
Once it’s ready, remove the bay leaves and any herb sprigs used. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out your hearty beef stew hot! It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or can be served over creamy mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal. Enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Beef for Another Protein?
Yes! You can use chicken thighs or turkey for a lighter option. Just note that poultry may require a shorter cooking time, so adjust as needed to ensure it’s cooked through.
What Can I Do If My Stew Is Too Thick?
If your stew turns out too thick, simply add a bit more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine and heat through.
How Do I Add More Vegetables?
You can easily add more vegetables like peas, green beans, or even mushrooms. Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t overcook and become mushy.
Is There a Way to Make This Stew Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Mix it with a little broth before adding it to prevent clumping.
