Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than this delicious beef stew recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Jamie Oliver. This isn't your average beef stew; it's a rich, hearty, and surprisingly easy-to-make dish perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend family gathering. This easy recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Prepare for a truly satisfying homemade meal that tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. You'll find yourself reaching for this quick dinner idea again and again.
- 1.5 kg beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1.5 liters beef broth
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 500g potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting a Culinary Masterpiece
Follow these simple steps to create this delicious and healthy meal. Even beginners can achieve amazing results with this easy recipe.
-
Sear the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until nicely browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Remove the beef and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
-
Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Pour in the beef broth and chopped tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
-
Combine and Simmer: Return the seared beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more delicious it becomes!
-
Add Potatoes and Peas: After 1.5 hours, add the potatoes. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and Variations: Personalize Your Stew
- For a richer stew: Use bone-in beef for extra flavor.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, turnips, or parsnips.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat before serving.
- Slow Cooker Option: This recipe works wonderfully in a slow cooker. Follow steps 1 and 2, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This healthy meal provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients. The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This hearty beef stew is a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients and slow cooking. It’s a delicious dish that's perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion. Enjoy this best recipe and share the warmth with your loved ones!