What is Beef Stew?
One of the most classic winter comfort foods, beef stew is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold night. The dish typically consists of chunks of beef that are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. Root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions are often added to the mix, providing a pleasant sweetness and texture contrast to the rich beef.
Some recipes also call for mushrooms, pearl onions, or green beans. While beef stew can be made in a slow cooker or pressure cooker, the traditional method is to simmer it on the stovetop.
This gives the cook more control over the rate of cooking and allows for greater accuracy when seasoning the dish. Whether you enjoy your beef stew with a side of crusty bread or simply on its own, this hearty dish is sure to warm you from the inside out.
Beef Stew Ingredients
For this recipe you will need beef, veggies, and seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need:
Beef– I use beef stew meat, but you can use chuck roast or any cut you prefer.
Potatoes– I used baby potatoes so I don’t have to cut them into cubes, but you can use regular potatoes if you prefer.
Veggies– I use onions, carrots, and celery stalks for my veggies. You could also add any veggies you prefer.
Flour– Flour is used to help thicken the stew so it’s not runny, but smooth and creamy.
Spices– You will need salt, garlic, rosemary, thyme, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, and a bay leaf to add flavor to your beef stew.
Beef broth– Broth adds much more flavor than water, but you can use water if you prefer.
Olive oil– I use olive oil, but you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any oil you prefer for this recipe.
How to Make Beef Stew on the Stove Top
Is there anything more comforting on a cold day than a big bowl of beef stew? This hearty dish is perfect for chilly weather, and it’s easy to make too. Follow the steps below!
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Rinse your beef and then pat it dry. Cut it into 1 inch pieces.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Add salt, pepper, and olive oil to a bowl. Add the beef and coat evenly.
Step 3: Fry the Beef
Fry the beef in portions in a hot pan so that a fried crust forms over the entire surface of the beef. Transfer the fried beef to a saucepan or Dutch oven.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour the broth, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce into the pan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add the Spices & Cook
Pour the gravy into the stew pan with the beef. Add rosemary, thyme, bay leaf and garlic clove, cut in half crosswise. Stew on low heat beef for 1 hour.
Step 6: Fry the Veggies
Next, place your chopped onions, carrots, and celery into a hot skillet. Fry on medium heat for 5-6 minutes, transfer to a plate.
Step 7: Cut the Potatoes
Wash baby potatoes and cut them into halves. Fry for 7-8 minutes on medium heat, then transfer them to a plate.
Step 8: Transfer to Saucepan
Then, transfer the vegetables to a saucepan. Add salt and pepper if needed.
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