Best Ever Beef Stew
There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty bowl of beef stew. Imagine coming home after a long day, greeted by the rich aroma of tender beef and perfectly seasoned vegetables simmering away. This Best Ever Beef Stew is not just a meal, but an experience—a cozy, warm hug in a bowl that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a bit of culinary comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef stew is a true classic, combining simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both rich in flavor and satisfying. You’ll love it for its tender chunks of beef, rich gravy, and perfectly cooked vegetables. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with the slow cooker doing most of the work for you. It’s a one-pot wonder that fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Resealable plastic bag
- Large skillet
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups water
- 2 heaping teaspoons beef demi-glace (or beef Swanson Flavor Boost)
- 4 medium to large red-skinned potatoes, washed & diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled & sliced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
Instructions
- Place the beef stew meat in a resealable plastic bag with the flour and seasoning salt. Shake until the meat is evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the floured stew meat to the pan and brown on all sides. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the meat and place it into the bottom of a slow cooker. Season with black pepper.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for about 2 minutes. Don’t clean the skillet between steps; those browned bits add flavor!
- Transfer the onions to the slow cooker.
- Pour the Worcestershire sauce, water, and beef demi-glace (or Swanson Flavor Boost) into the skillet. Whisk to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Turn off the heat.
- Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
- Pour the broth and Worcestershire mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours.
- Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves.
Tips for Success
For the best flavor, don’t skip browning the meat—it adds depth and richness to the stew. Make sure to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the skillet when making the broth. This enhances the flavor of your stew significantly.
Additional Tips and Variations
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. For added flavor, try adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of fresh thyme.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 350 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast works well for this recipe if you can’t find stew meat.
Can I make this stew on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Just simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
Conclusion
This Best Ever Beef Stew is a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Please share your experiences and any variations you try in the comments below. Enjoy!