Are you in need of a hearty and satisfying meal to warm you up on a chilly evening? Look no further than our Homemade Beef Stew recipe! This classic dish is packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, making it the ultimate comfort food. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a pot of this delicious stew with minimal effort. Join us as we dive into how to make this comforting Homemade Beef Stew and elevate your dinner game!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we get started, let’s address some common questions about Homemade Beef Stew:
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? A: While we recommend using beef chuck roast for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use other cuts such as stew beef or bottom round. Just be mindful that tougher cuts may require longer cooking times to become tender.
Q: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? A: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Simply follow the same instructions for preparing the ingredients, then adjust the cooking time according to the appliance’s guidelines.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this stew? A: Yes, this stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Now, let’s gather our ingredients and prepare to make this comforting Homemade Beef Stew!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 2-inch chunks, excess fat removed
- 1 Tsp Kosher Salt
- ½ Tsp Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour or Whole Wheat for non-gluten
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- ½ Yellow Onion, chopped large
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 Large Carrot or two small-medium, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced into 2-inch pieces
- 2 Cups Beef Broth
- ¼ Cup Tomato Paste
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 Tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves, to garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef chunks with kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper. Toss the beef with gluten-free all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour until evenly coated.
2. Brown the Beef:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Saute the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Vegetables:
- Return the browned beef to the pot, along with carrot chunks and diced potatoes. Stir to combine.
5. Prepare the Broth:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the pot.
6. Simmer the Stew:
- Add a bay leaf to the pot for extra flavor. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Serve and Garnish:
- Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaf and discard. Ladle the Homemade Beef Stew into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For added depth of flavor, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after sautéing the aromatics.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this stew to suit your preferences. Try adding celery, parsnips, or mushrooms for extra variety.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix additional flour with water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Keto Version:
- To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, omit the potatoes and flour, and use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum or glucomannan powder to achieve the desired consistency.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto version substitutions mentioned above, and consider adding extra low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower or broccoli to bulk up the stew without adding excess carbs.
In conclusion, our Homemade Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming up on cold winter nights or cozying up with loved ones. With its tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, this stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish that anyone can master. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of Homemade Beef Stew tonight!
