Lunch & Dinner

Hearty Beef Stew – Simple Food Dishes

Name: Hearty Beef Stew – Simple Food Dishes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour; 2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces; 6 cloves garlic, lightly crushed; 1 1/2 tablespoons rich tomato paste; 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar; 2 cups full-bodied dry red wine; 2 cups beef stock; 1 1/2 cups water; 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick diagonal chunks; 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Lisa Schneider September 2, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive into the wonderful world of hearty beef stew, let’s talk about what makes a meal memorable. A steaming bowl of beef stew doesn’t stand alone; it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Picture this: a thick slice of homemade bread, perfect for sopping up that rich gravy.

Or perhaps a fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette could provide just the right balance. And let’s not forget a glass of bold red wine, which complements the flavors of the stew while adding a touch of elegance to your meal.

Now, let’s get into the heart of the matter.

What Is Hearty Beef Stew?

Hearty beef stew is a comforting dish that has warmed homes for generations. Imagine tender beef chunks nestled among carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs. Simmering slowly ensures that flavors meld together beautifully.

This dish usually requires a tough cut of beef, like chuck roast, which becomes incredibly tender with low and slow cooking. The cooking process releases the meat’s rich flavors, creating a deep, savory broth that coats each vegetable.

What Is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

The flavor profile of hearty beef stew is rich and complex. The beef itself is savory and robust, complemented by sweet undertones from the carrots and the slight acidity from the red wine.

Garlic and onions add essential depth, while the fresh herbs provide fragrant notes. The quality of ingredients really matters here; using fresh vegetables and good wine can elevate the dish from good to extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This?

You might wonder, why should you make this dish? Here are just a few reasons:

Simplicity: The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are common.
Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, providing a ready-made meal.
Versatility: You can adapt it to include any vegetables you love.
Nourishment: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome choice.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your hearty masterpiece:

3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast (well-marbled), cut into 1½-inch cubes
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces
6 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
1½ tablespoons rich tomato paste
2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
2 cups full-bodied dry red wine
2 cups beef stock (preferably low-sodium)
1½ cups water
1½ teaspoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick diagonal chunks
1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

First things first: gather everything you need. This makes the entire cooking process smoother.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef cubes dry. This step helps in achieving a nice sear. Season generously with salt and pepper. Then, dust them lightly with the flour. This will help create a nice crust and thicken the stew later.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches. Don’t overcrowd; you want a nice brown crust, not steamed beef. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a deep golden color forms. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in onions and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they’re softened and fragrant. The remnants of the beef will enhance the flavors of the onions.

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes. The pasty goodness will mingle with the onions and start to caramelize, adding layers to your stew.

Step 6: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to concentrate.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Now, return the beef to the pot, followed by the beef stock, water, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir.

Step 8: Add Veggies

Add the carrots and potatoes to the mix. They’ll soak up all the wonderful flavors during cooking.

Step 9: Simmer

Bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot, allowing it to cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The magic happens here, as all those flavors meld and the beef becomes fork-tender.

Step 10: Adjust Seasoning

After the stewing time, taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Discard the bay leaf and rosemary sprig.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Pair with that crusty bread or a fresh salad, and you’re all set!

Tips & Tricks

Trim the Fat: If your beef has large chunks of fat, trim them before cooking. You want tenderness, not greasiness.
Quality Ingredients: The best wines and meats create the best stews. Invest a little for the best flavor.
Slow Cooker Friendly: If you prefer, cook on low in a slow cooker for 8 hours after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
Add Acidity: If you feel something is missing after cooking, a splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon brighten the flavors.
Customize: Feel free to swap out veggies based on what’s seasonal or on hand. Peas, parsnips, or even celery can fit wonderfully.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of hearty beef stew offers a healthy balance of nutrients:

Calories: Approximately 400-500
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g

This hearty meal is not just comforting but also gives you the protein and energy to power through your day.

How Can You Store This Hearty Beef Stew?

You can store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as the stew sits!

For longer storage, freeze in portions. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags. Label and date them. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot over low heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you find yourself running low on ingredients, here are some alternatives:

Beef: You can use lamb or even chicken, but remember they will alter the flavor profile.
Vegetables: Don’t have Yukon gold potatoes? Try red potatoes or sweet potatoes, which will give a sweet touch.
Red Wine: If you lack wine, beef broth or stock can replace it. The flavor won’t be as complex, but it will still be delicious.

Conclusion

Creating a hearty beef stew is a delightful journey into flavor and warmth. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it transforms into a dish that brings comfort on chilly nights. This isn’t just about cooking; it’s about nurturing the body and soul.

As you share this meal with loved ones, relish the moments and stories that unfold over the table. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make that stew! It’s a heartwarming experience you won’t forget.

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Hearty Beef Stew – Simple Food Dishes

Author: Lisa Schneider Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 3 hrs Total Time 3 hrs 30 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 500 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Cooking can sometimes feel like a dance, where every ingredient has its role and every step counts. A hearty beef stew is like a trusted partner, warming your soul and embracing you with flavor after a long day. This dish goes beyond a simple meal; it’s an experience, a tradition shared around tables during colder months.

In this post, I’ll share my personal journey with hearty beef stew, why I adore it, and how to craft it to perfection. Whether you want to make it for a cozy dinner or meal prep for busy weekdays, I've got you covered. Let’s stir up some goodness!