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:
- 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.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the easy beef stew hot and enjoy!
- Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or herbs according to your preference.