Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’ll warm you from the inside out? Look no further than this 5-hour beef stew recipe! Perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and delivers incredible depth of flavor. Forget about complicated techniques; this recipe focuses on simple ingredients and slow cooking to create a truly delicious and satisfying healthy meal. It's the ultimate in homemade cooking, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Prepare to be amazed by how much flavor develops over just five hours!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 cup peeled and chopped potatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
Step 4: Adding Potatoes and Peas
After 4 hours, add the chopped potatoes to the stew. Continue to simmer for another hour, or until the potatoes are cooked through. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread for a truly comforting meal.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew:
- Use quality beef: The better the beef, the better the stew. Choose a cut specifically designed for stewing.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Browning the beef in batches ensures a nice sear on each piece.
- Low and slow is key: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become incredibly tender.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on your stove and the type of beef used. Check the beef for tenderness.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add other herbs and spices to customize your stew.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add a delicious earthy flavor.
- Use different vegetables: Sweet potatoes, turnips, or parsnips would be great additions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a spicier kick.
- Make it a one-pot meal: Add some pearl barley or other grains to the stew during the last hour of cooking for a more substantial meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This 5-hour beef stew recipe is a fantastic example of delicious, easy recipes that deliver on both taste and convenience. It's a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and a perfect illustration of the joys of homemade cooking. Enjoy!