Hearty Beef Stew

As the cool autumn air sets in, this Hearty Beef Stew is the perfect comfort meal to warm you up. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, this stew is a cozy, one-pot meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Yield: Serves 6-8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup (240ml) red wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)

• 4 cups (1L) beef broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing them on all sides until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Deglaze the Pot: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine (if using). Let the wine reduce by half while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

4. Add Broth and Herbs: Return the beef to the pot. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary—season with salt and pepper.

5. Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavours have melded.

6. Thicken the Stew: To thicken the stew, whisk the flour with a bit of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let the stew simmer uncovered until thickened.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with crusty bread!

Tips:

• Make Ahead: Beef stew tastes even better the next day, so prepare it beforehand.

• Vegetable Options: You can add peas or green beans for extra vegetables.

Warm up with this comforting Hearty Beef Stew, packed with tender beef and veggies in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy fall evenings!