Description
This Classic Beef Stew Comfort Bowl is a hearty and warming dish perfect for cozy dinners. Tender chunks of beef are simmered to perfection with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions in a rich, savory beef broth infused with tomato paste and thyme. This traditional stew offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures, making it a timeless favorite for family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
Vegetables
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding, and brown all sides well. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and beef: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Return the browned beef to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, then add the diced potatoes and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for 1 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Notes
- For richer flavor, brown the beef well before simmering.
- You can use fresh thyme instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
- Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference toward the end of cooking.
- Serve with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
- The stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.
