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Simple Beef Stew Recipe

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3.8 from 14 reviews

This Simple Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting classic perfect for chilly days. Tender beef chuck is browned and then slowly simmered with aromatic herbs, potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery in a rich and savory broth. With a perfect balance of flavors and a thick, satisfying texture, this stew makes a nourishing and delicious meal for the whole family.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Coating

  • 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon pepper (divided)
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1 to 2-inch cubes

Cooking Liquids and Oil

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 10 cups filtered water (divided)

Vegetables

  • 1/2 large onion, diced
  • 3-4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 1-inch thick
  • 3-4 celery stalks, sliced 1/2-inch thick
  • 2 pounds red potatoes, cubed

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Dredge the beef cubes in this flour mixture to coat them completely, then set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the coated beef in batches if needed, browning all sides until just browned. Use a bit more oil or water if meat starts sticking or burning.
  2. Prepare Flour Slurry and Add Liquid: While browning meat, whisk 1 cup filtered water into the remaining flour mixture in the bowl, making sure no lumps remain. Once all the meat is browned, pour this flour-water mixture into the pot along with an additional 7 cups of filtered water. Stir to combine.
  3. Simmer the Stew Base: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Let the stew cook gently for 80 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes to prevent sticking and ensuring even cooking.
  4. Add Aromatics and Veggies: Add diced onion, sliced celery, and carrots to the pot. Stir, bring back to a simmer, and cook for another 20 minutes to soften the vegetables.
  5. Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Incorporate cubed red potatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and the bay leaf. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Check the salt level and water content; if the stew appears too thick, add up to 2 cups of water until the desired consistency is reached.
  6. Final Simmer and Serve: Simmer the stew for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Let the stew cool in bowls for at least 5 minutes or on the stove for 15 minutes to thicken slightly and enhance flavors. Enjoy your nourishing beef stew!

Notes

  • Stir the stew regularly while simmering to prevent the meat and vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Peeling the carrots is optional but helps remove any dirt and provides a smoother texture.
  • If the stew becomes too thick upon standing, add a splash of water to loosen it up before serving.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
  • This stew can also be made in a slow cooker by following similar layering steps and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/simple-beef-stew-recipe/