There’s nothing quite like a hearty beef stew with potatoes to warm you up on a chilly day. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. The tender beef, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes make this dish a comforting classic.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 lbs (680g) baby potatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots.
- Halve the baby potatoes.
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Build the Stew Base:
- Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir well to coat the vegetables.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir to combine.
- Return the browned beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
- Season the Stew:
- Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add the Potatoes:
- Add the halved baby potatoes to the pot.
- Continue to simmer the stew for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Finish the Stew:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Serve:
- Ladle the beef stew into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew:
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Use beef stew meat, which is typically a mix of cuts like chuck or round that are perfect for slow cooking. These cuts become tender and flavorful when cooked for an extended period.
- Brown the Beef Well: Browning the beef before simmering adds depth of flavor to the stew. Make sure to sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh thyme and rosemary for a more vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, make sure they are not too old as they can lose potency over time.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. If you’re short on time, you can use a pressure cooker or slow cooker to achieve similar results.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken.
Why This Recipe Works:
This beef stew recipe works so well because it combines classic ingredients and techniques to create a rich and hearty dish. The searing of the beef adds a depth of flavor that is complemented by the slow simmering process. The addition of baby potatoes provides a satisfying texture contrast, and the fresh parsley brightens up the overall flavor.
The recipe is also very versatile. You can add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms to the stew to suit your taste. It’s a great make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Beef stew with potatoes is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious, hearty stew that your family will love. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice, and enjoy the rich flavors and tender beef. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Bon appétit!
