Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter day. It’s hearty, filling, and delicious, and can be made with a variety of ingredients to suit your tastes. A good beef stew starts with high-quality beef that is slow-cooked with vegetables and spices until it is tender and flavorful.
To make a beef stew, start by browning the beef in a large pot. This will give the beef a nice crust and add flavor to the stew. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Next, sauté onions, garlic, and vegetables such as carrots, celery, and potatoes. Add beef broth and spices, and then return the beef to the pot.
Allow the beef stew to simmer for several hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked. This slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew. You can add additional seasonings, such as thyme or bay leaves, to give the stew an even deeper flavor.
Beef stew is a great meal to make for a crowd, as it can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a large group. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck with friends, beef stew is a classic dish that is sure to please everyone.
Recipe for classic beef stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons Bisto gravy granules
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent about 5 minutes.
Pour in the beef broth, red wine, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Add the carrots and potatoes and continue to simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is very tender.
add the gravy granules and allow them to thicken, add more water if too thick.
Remove the bay leaves and serve hot. Optional: garnish with fresh parsley.
Is beef stew better the longer you cook it?
Beef stew is a classic comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Many people believe that beef stew is better the longer you cook it, and there is some truth to this. When the beef stew is cooked for a longer period, the flavors have more time to meld together, and the meat becomes incredibly tender.
Cooking beef stew for a longer period also allows the connective tissues in the meat to break down, which results in a richer, more flavorful broth. However, it’s important to keep in mind that overcooking the stew can also result in tough, dry meat and mushy vegetables.
In general, the ideal cooking time for beef stew is around 2-3 hours. This allows enough time for the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender, without overcooking the ingredients. Ultimately, the best cooking time for beef stew depends on personal preference, so experiment with different cooking times until you find the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
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