Description
A warm and comforting stew perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave a hearty home-cooked meal. Tender beef, cozy vegetables, and aromatic herbs come together to create a magical dish that feels like it’s been simmering in a rustic cottage kitchen cauldron.
Ingredients
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2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
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3 celery stalks, chopped
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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1 cup frozen peas
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4 cups beef broth
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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2 bay leaves
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Pat the beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
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Stir in the carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes to build flavor.
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Add tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables. If using flour to thicken, sprinkle it in now and cook for 2 minutes.
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Pour in the beef broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Return the browned beef to the pot along with potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir well.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
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Add peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Remove bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For the best results, choose a marbled cut of beef such as chuck roast. Browning the beef in batches helps create rich flavor. This stew tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal-prep option. You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Serve with crusty bread or spooned over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours