Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides. Remove the meat and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Add Back the Beef: Add the browned beef back to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, and add bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste.
5. Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
6. Add Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and frozen peas to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to make a paste. Stir the paste into the stew and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the stew thickens.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the easy beef stew hot and enjoy!
10. Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or herbs according to your preference.