Imagine a dish that wraps you in warmth, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. This classic American Beef Stew is more than just a meal – it's a journey of flavor, tradition, and pure comfort that will transport you to grandma's kitchen with every single bite. Get ready to unlock the secret to the most soul-satisfying beef stew that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a better sear and develops deeper flavor.
- 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 rich golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Add thyme and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let the stew simmer slowly for approximately
- 5 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and develop rich flavors.
- Add sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the stew. Continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes until vegetables are soft and beef is fork-tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the stew seems too thick, add a bit more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Serve hot in deep bowls with crusty bread on the side.
Tips
- Pat the beef dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in incredible flavor.
- Brown the meat in batches – overcrowding the pot will steam the meat instead of creating that delicious caramelized crust.
- Low and slow is the key to tender beef. Let the stew simmer gently to break down tough muscle fibers.
- Choose chuck roast for the most tender and flavorful results – it's perfect for slow-cooking.
- Don't rush the cooking process. The longer the stew simmers, the more the flavors will develop and intensify.
- Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully meld together.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the onions.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator – this stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
