Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This hearty American Beef Stew is the perfect dish to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. With tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection alongside vibrant vegetables, each bite is a burst of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether it's a chilly evening or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready to dive into the delicious world of beef stew? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 120 mins
Total Time: 140 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they develop a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize and enhance its flavor.
- Return browned beef to the pot and add beef broth, thyme, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Check meat tenderness by piercing with a fork. The beef should be very soft and easily break apart.
- If the stew seems too thin, remove the lid and allow it to reduce and thicken during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- Browning is Key: Don’t rush the browning process! Taking the time to sear the beef cubes properly will enhance the stew’s flavor significantly. Aim for a deep golden-brown crust on each piece.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sauté the onions and garlic before adding the tomato paste. This step caramelizes the onions and brings out the natural sweetness, adding depth to your stew.
- Beef Broth Matters: Use high-quality beef broth for a richer taste. Homemade broth or a good store-bought option can make all the difference in flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If you find your stew too thin, simply remove the lid during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to allow it to thicken naturally.
- Rest Before Serving: Let your stew sit for about 10 minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each spoonful even more delightful.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the dish.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor the delicious results!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
