Ultimate Hearty Beef Stew

Best Beef Stew Recipe

Prepare to be amazed by this hearty and flavorful Best Beef Stew recipe, perfect for those cozy evenings or family gatherings. This stew combines tender beef chuck, savory bacon, aromatic vegetables, and a rich broth, simmered to perfection. Let’s dive into the details of creating this culinary masterpiece!

Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon and Aromatics:

   • In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp.
   • Add the chopped onions, shallots, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and translucent.

2. Prepare the Beef:

   • While the aromatics are cooking, pat dry the beef chuck cubes with paper towels.
   • Season the beef with salt and pepper, then coat evenly with flour.

3. Brown the Beef:

   • Remove the cooked bacon and aromatics from the pot, leaving the rendered fat.
   • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef cubes in batches. Brown the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.

4. Deglaze and Simmer:

   • Pour the cognac into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (deglazing). Let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly.
   • Return the bacon, onions, and beef to the pot.
   • Add the beef broth, canned tomatoes (with their juices), bay leaf, and fresh thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.

5. Cook the Stew:

   • Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

6. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • While the stew is simmering, prepare the carrots and parsnips. Peel and cut them into large chunks.

7. Add Vegetables and Mushrooms:

   • After 2 hours of simmering, add the carrots and parsnips to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
   • In a separate pan, sauté the sliced cremini mushrooms until they are golden brown. Add them to the stew along with the red wine. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

8. Season and Serve:

   • Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
   • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
   • Serve the Best Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 509.6
• Total Fat: 34.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 13.3g
• Cholesterol: 117.2mg
• Sodium: 746.6mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14.1g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.9g
  • Sugars: 4.4g
• Protein: 32.3g

Tips for Perfect Beef Stew

• Choosing the Beef: Opt for well-marbled beef chuck roast, which becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Browning the Meat: This step adds depth of flavor by caramelizing the surface of the beef.
• Deglazing: Use cognac or any dry red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful browned bits for a richer sauce.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other root vegetables like potatoes or celery root for extra texture and flavor.
• Simmering Time: Simmering the stew low and slow ensures the beef becomes tender and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Conclusion

This Best Beef Stew recipe is a labor of love that rewards you with a comforting and satisfying dish. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a hearty meal to warm you up, it’s a classic that never goes out of style. Whether shared with family or enjoyed as leftovers, each bite is packed with tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich, aromatic broth that will keep you coming back for more. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious stew, and savor the homemade goodness in every spoonful.