When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving a comforting, home-cooked meal, nothing beats a bowl of homemade beef stew. This classic dish is rich, flavorful, and satisfying, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dinner with family or friends. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a delicious beef stew from scratch, offer tips for perfecting your stew, and suggest some tasty side dishes and variations.
What is Homemade Beef Stew?
Homemade beef stew is a hearty dish made by simmering tender chunks of beef with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions in a savory broth. It’s a meal that’s full of flavor and nutrients, ideal for warming up on a cold day or feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
1. Rich and Flavorful
This beef stew recipe is packed with rich flavors from beef broth, herbs, and tender vegetables. The slow cooking process melds all the ingredients together to create a hearty and comforting dish.
2. Easy to Make
With a straightforward recipe and simple techniques, this beef stew is easy to prepare. It’s perfect for beginner cooks and experienced chefs alike.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep
Beef stew is an excellent dish for meal prepping. You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for future meals.
4. Customizable
This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to add or swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients for Homemade Beef Stew
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make a hearty and delicious beef stew:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 2 cups water
- 4 large carrots (peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh if available)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for mixing with flour)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this homemade beef stew, you will need:
- A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- A cutting board and knife
- A large spoon or spatula
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A small bowl for mixing flour and water