Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2.5 Pounds Beef Stew Meat
- 1/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Large Onion
Chopped
- 5 Cloves Garlic
Minced
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 Cup Good Quality Red Wine
- 6 Cups Beef Stock
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 3 Large Carrots
Cut into 1/2 inch chunks
- 1 Pound Yellow or Russet Potatoes
Cut into 1/2 inch chunks
- 8 Ounces Cremini Mushrooms
Cut in Half
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons Cold Water
Directions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- 2
Reduce the stovetop heat to medium
- 3
Brown the meat as directed above and place in the bottom of a 6 quart or larger slow cooker.
Beef Stew
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About this Recipe
Craving a warm, comforting hug in a bowl? This Beef Stew recipe delivers a thick, hearty, and deeply satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion. Forget bland, watery stews; this recipe focuses on rich flavor and tender beef, making it a homemade classic you'll return to again and again. You can create this comforting dinner in your slow cooker or on your stovetop, ensuring flexibility for your schedule.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines through its layers of flavor, starting with perfectly browned beef stew meat coated in flour, salt, and pepper, which not only tenderizes but also builds a foundation for a robust gravy. The combination of good quality red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar creates an incredibly complex and savory broth that simmers down into a velvety texture. Fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves infuse every bite, while a cornstarch slurry at the end ensures that signature thick, luxurious consistency.
What to Expect
Prepare for an aromatic embrace as this beef stew simmers, filling your kitchen with the comforting scent of savory herbs and rich beef. Each spoonful promises melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, complemented by soft, yielding carrots and potatoes that soak up the flavorful broth. Earthy cremini mushrooms add another dimension, rounding out a dish that feels both elegant and down-to-earth. The texture is truly what sets this stew apart—it's wonderfully thick without being heavy, clinging beautifully to every piece of meat and vegetable.
Customization & Variations
While this stew is perfect as written, you can easily adapt it to your pantry or preferences. If you prefer to cook without alcohol, simply replace the red wine with an equal amount of additional beef stock or a non-alcoholic red wine substitute. For a slightly different root vegetable profile, feel free to use sweet potatoes in place of yellow or russet potatoes, or mix and match your preferred mushroom varieties instead of cremini. These small adjustments allow you to personalize this comforting dish.
Serving & Context
This hearty Beef Stew is the ultimate cozy dinner, ideal for chilly evenings, Sunday family meals, or a comforting gathering with friends. Serve it simply with a side of crusty bread to sop up every last drop of the rich gravy, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for an extra layer of indulgence. It's a meal that feels special yet approachable, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.