Delish Beef Stew

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Delish Beef Stew

A rich, comforting classic, this beef stew is brimming with tender chuck roast, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, it’s a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.

Ingredients

For the Meat:

  • 3-5 lbs chuck roast
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 1-2 tsp onion powder
  • 1-2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Stew:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1-2 cups red wine (any variety you have on hand)
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 3 lbs carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 lbs potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 3-4 cups water (or enough to just cover the meat)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 bundle of fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms (optional), reconstituted in 1 cup very hot water, liquid reserved, mushrooms chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 tsp Tuscan herb seasoning blend (or substitute with Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 tsp gravy master or kitchen bouquet (optional)
  • 1 can sweet peas, drained (optional)

For Thickening:

  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cold water

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Season and Prepare the Meat:

  • Rub the chuck roast thoroughly with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Coat the entire surface of the roast with the 1/2 cup of flour to create a light crust.

2. Sear the Meat:

  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven (at least 5.5 quarts) over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, sear the roast on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor.

3. Deglaze the Pot:

  • Lower the heat to medium-high. Pour the red wine around the roast, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Let the wine cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Build the Stew Base:

  • Add the quartered onions, tomato sauce, and 3-4 cups of water to the pot, ensuring the liquid just covers the roast. If using porcini mushrooms, include the reserved mushroom liquid and chopped mushrooms for added depth.

5. Season the Stew:

  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme bundle, and smashed garlic cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.

6. Prepare the Vegetables:

  • While the meat cooks, chop the carrots and potatoes into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.

7. Shred the Meat and Add Carrots:

  • Carefully remove the chuck roast from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Cut it into 2-3 inch chunks. Skim any fat from the surface of the stew.
  • Return the meat to the pot, increase the heat to medium-high, and add the carrots. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.

8. Add Potatoes and Optional Peas:

  • Add the diced potatoes to the pot, cover, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. If using sweet peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove the thyme bundle and bay leaves.

9. Thicken the Stew:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 cup cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually stir this into the stew, cooking over medium heat until the stew reaches your desired thickness. Stir in gravy master or kitchen bouquet, if desired, for a richer color and flavor.

10. Final Adjustments:

  • Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew:

  • Choose the Right Meat: Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.
  • Layer the Flavors: Take the time to sear the meat and deglaze the pot for maximum flavor.
  • Low and Slow: Simmering the stew ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Thickening Tip: Always add the flour slurry gradually and stir well to avoid lumps.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve hot with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Pair with a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe for a cohesive meal.

Storage and Reheating:

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Beef stew freezes beautifully! Transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much.

This Delish Beef Stew is a timeless, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for cold nights or family dinners. Its bold flavors and hearty ingredients make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

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