How do you make beef stew recipe – Easy & Delicious
Did you know how do you make beef stew recipe, has thousands of 5-star reviews? It’s a favorite among home cooks for its amazing taste. This stovetop beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, with tender meat and rich gravy.
It’s perfect for a chilly night or a dish to feed a crowd. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- This classic beef stew recipe is cooked entirely on the stovetop for a total time of 1 hour, including 20 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking.
- The recipe yields approximately 6 servings and features well-marbled beef chuck or bottom round as the key ingredient.
- Leftover stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal.
- The stew is packed with nutrient-dense vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and the rich, flavorful gravy is the perfect comfort food.
- This classic beef stew recipe is highly rated by home cooks, indicating its exceptional taste and ease of preparation.
Understanding the Perfect Beef Stew
The secret to a great stove top stew is finding the right mix of tender meat, tasty veggies, and a rich gravy. The traditional beef stew cooked on the stovetop is a favorite. It lets you control the cooking, making a perfect beef stew that’s a treat for your taste buds.
What Makes a Great Stove Top Stew
The magic of a top-notch stove top stew is in the small things. Starting with well-marbled beef, browned to bring out its flavor, is key. Then, slow simmering breaks down the tough parts, making the meat tender. Plus, you can control the heat to get the gravy just right.
Key Elements of Traditional Beef Stew
- Bite-sized, well-marbled beef chuck, seared to a golden-brown crust
- Aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, finely chopped for a melt-in-your-mouth texture
- A rich, flavorful gravy made from beef broth, red wine, and thickening agents like butter and flour
- Hearty potatoes and tender, sweet peas for a satisfying and balanced stew
Benefits of Stovetop Cooking Method
Cooking on the stovetop has many perks for making the perfect beef stew. You can keep an eye on the temperature and adjust it as needed. This lets you get the meat just right and the gravy thick and tasty. Plus, stirring often helps mix the flavors and prevents lumps.
Essential Ingredients for Classic Beef Stew
Creating a classic beef stew is all about the ingredients. This dish needs a mix of top-quality elements for its rich flavors. Let’s look at the key ingredients for a perfect beef stew.
The heart of this recipe is boneless beef chuck. It’s tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. To start, use a few tablespoons of olive oil to sear the beef and create a caramelized crust.
Onions and garlic add depth and complexity. A splash of balsamic vinegar and a bit of tomato paste balance the flavors. Flour thickens the stew’s gravy.
Dry red wine and beef broth enhance the savory taste. Bay leaves and thyme add herbaceous notes. A little sugar rounds out the flavors.
Carrots and potatoes add substance and texture. Fresh parsley adds flavor and color.
Choosing and mixing these ingredients will make a classic beef stew. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfy your taste buds.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless beef chuck | 2 lbs |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Balsamic vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry red wine | 1 cup |
| Beef broth | 3 1/2 cups |
| Bay leaves | 3 |
| Thyme sprigs | 3 |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Carrots, chopped | 1 1/2 cups |
| Potatoes, chopped | 3 medium |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
These ingredients create a delicious beef stew. They balance flavors and textures, making a classic recipe.
“I made this recipe for a weeknight meal for my little family of four and it was a hit! I stuck to the recipe exactly as it was written, and the result was flawless. The 1.5-hour wait felt endless, but it was absolutely worth it!”
– BRITTNEY
Selecting the Best Meat for Your Stew
Choosing the right meat is crucial for a classic beef stew. You want to pick cuts that are tender and full of flavor. Look for meat that’s well-marbled and rich in collagen. This type of meat can handle long, slow cooking well.
Best Cuts of Beef for Stewing
- Chuck Roast: This budget-friendly cut is renowned for its exceptional flavor and tenderness when braised.
- Bottom Round: Also known as rump roast, this lean cut becomes deliciously tender when cooked low and slow.
- Short Rib: The rich, gelatinous nature of short ribs makes them a prime choice for stews, adding incredible depth of flavor.
- Sirloin: While a bit pricier, the sirloin’s balanced fat content and lean texture make it an excellent option for stewing.
How to Prepare the Meat
After picking your best beef for stew, start preparing it. Trim off any extra fat and cut it into 1.5-inch cubes. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper to start building flavor. Then, sear the meat over high heat. This step caramelizes the outside and keeps the juices inside.
“The secret to a rich, flavorful beef stew is all in the preparation of the meat. Searing the beef before braising is a must for developing that deep, complex flavor profile.”
Preparing Vegetables and Aromatics
Vegetables are the heart of a classic beef stew. Preparing them right is crucial for a rich, flavorful dish. You’ll need carrots, onions, potatoes, and maybe celery and mushrooms. Cutting them into uniform pieces helps them cook evenly and adds to the stew’s texture.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. This step creates a flavor base that spreads throughout the stew. When the onions are clear and the garlic smells good, add the other veggies. Carrots, potatoes, and hardy veggies soften and soak up the flavors at this point.
- Carrots: Peel and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Onions: Dice into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Potatoes: Choose waxy varieties like Yukon Gold and cut them into 1-inch chunks.
- Celery (optional): Slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Mushrooms (optional): Quartered or sliced.
- Garlic: Mince or press.
To make the stew even more aromatic, add herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper. These will make the vegetables for beef stew smell amazing and taste incredible.
“The key to a truly exceptional beef stew lies in the careful préparations of the végétales for beef stew. Every ingredient contributes significantly to crafting a balanced and delicious dish.”
Beef Stew Recipe on Stove – Step-by-Step Guide
Making beef stew on the stove is a beloved tradition. It creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. To make the perfect how to make beef stew on stove, follow these simple steps.
Browning the Meat
Start by browning the beef in batches. This step seals in the juices and creates a flavorful crust. Use 2 lbs of stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces, and sear them until browned on all sides.
Building the Base Flavors
After browning the beef, build the flavors. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the same pan. Use beef stew cooking time red wine or vinegar to deglaze the pan. This adds a rich taste to the stew.
Simmering and Cooking Times
Place the beef back into the pot and incorporate the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Uncover and simmer for another 1.5 hours. The total beef stew cooking time is about 3.5 to 4 hours.
“Letting the stew rest for a few hours or overnight results in a tastier dish the next day.”
By following these steps, you’ll get a how to make beef stew on stove that’s rich and tender. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Secret Tips for Rich and Flavorful Gravy
Take your homemade beef stew to the next level with these secret tips. The key is not just the tender beef but also the silky, flavorful gravy it’s in.
Start by mixing flour and butter, called beurre manié, to thicken the gravy. This French technique makes the gravy creamy and smooth, avoiding lumps. Just mix flour and butter until smooth, then add it to the stew for the right consistency.
Don’t forget to deglaze the pot with red wine or beef broth. This step adds deep flavor from the browned bits on the bottom. For more umami, add tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce.
As the stew cooks, slowly reduce the liquid towards the end. This makes the gravy thick and rich, coating each piece of beef perfectly. The effort will pay off with a gravy everyone will love.
“The secret to a perfect beef stew is in the gravy – rich, flavorful, and perfectly thickened to create a truly memorable dish.”
With these tips, you’ll make a beef stew that’s full of flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Stew Meat | 2 pounds, cubed |
| Refrigeration Time | 3-4 days |
| Freezer Storage | Up to 3 months |
| Cooking Time | Approximately 2 hours |
| Nutrition (per serving) | Calories: 278kcal, Carbs: 9g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 14g, Sodium: 1022mg, Potassium: 517mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 148IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 43mg, Iron: 3mg, Net Carbs: 8g |
Perfect Side Dishes and Serving Suggestions
Beef stew is a hearty, comforting dish that pairs well with many side dishes. You can choose from classic options or modern pairings to enhance your stew experience.
Traditional Accompaniments
Classic side dishes like crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles are great with beef stew. These sides soak up the savory gravy, making the meal satisfying.
- Crusty bread: Warm, fresh bread is perfect for sopping up the stew’s flavorful broth.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a comforting base for the tender beef and vegetables.
- Egg noodles: Served alongside, egg noodles offer a delightful contrast in texture and a simple, satisfying side.
Modern Pairing Ideas
For a modern twist, try pairing your beef stew with options like polenta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. These pairings add depth and dimension to the classic dish.
- Polenta: Creamy, cheesy polenta is a delightful base for the hearty stew, offering a unique texture and flavor.
- Roasted vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, roasted to perfection, make a vibrant and nutritious side.
- Green salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the stew, cleansing the palate between bites.
Remember to garnish your beef stew with fresh herbs like parsley for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal. For a unique presentation, consider serving the stew in individual bread bowls for a truly comforting and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your homemade beef stew, it’s key to store leftovers right. Let the stew cool down to room temperature. Then, put it in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months if you want to keep it longer.
To reheat, just put the stew in a saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat. Stir it every now and then. If it’s too thick, add a bit of beef broth or water to get the right consistency. If it’s frozen, let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up.
These easy steps will help you enjoy your beef stew again and again. So, go ahead and savor those comforting flavors whenever you like!
FAQ
What makes a great stove top stew?
A great stew has tender meat, tasty veggies, and a rich gravy. It needs well-marbled beef and proper browning. Slow cooking is key. The stovetop method lets you stir and monitor easily, making the stew thick and perfect.
What are the essential ingredients for classic beef stew?
For a classic stew, you need boneless beef chuck, olive oil, and onions. Garlic, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste are also crucial. Don’t forget flour, dry red wine, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, sugar, carrots, and potatoes. Fresh parsley is great as a garnish.
What are the best cuts of beef for stewing?
The top cuts for stewing are chuck roast, bottom round, short rib, and sirloin. Choose meat with lots of visible fat for the best flavor.
How do you prepare the meat for beef stew?
Start by trimming fat and cutting the meat into 1.5-inch cubes. Season it well with salt and pepper before browning. This step is key for flavor.
What vegetables and aromatics are used in beef stew?
Carrots, onions, potatoes, and sometimes celery and mushrooms are used. Garlic, thyme, and bay leaves add to the flavor.
How do you brown the meat for beef stew?
Brown the meat in batches to prevent overcrowding. This creates a rich, caramelized crust that boosts the stew’s flavor.
How long does it take to make beef stew on the stove?
Beef stew takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to cook. Simmer it covered for 2 hours, then uncovered for 1.5 hours. This ensures the meat is tender and the gravy thickens.
What is the secret to making a rich and flavorful gravy for beef stew?
To thicken the gravy, mix flour and butter (beurre manié). Deglaze the pot with wine or broth to get browned bits. Add tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
What are some good side dishes to serve with beef stew?
Classic sides are crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. For something new, try polenta, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
How do you store and reheat leftover beef stew?
Let the stew cool, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add broth if it’s too thick.
Rate it if you like the recipe?
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
