This hearty, homestyle beef recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying Sunday supper. Tender beef chunks simmered with potatoes and corn in a rich, flavorful gravy – it’s the ultimate comfort food. This recipe focuses on simplicity and ease, making it accessible to even novice cooks while delivering exceptional taste. Let's dive in!
What Makes This Beef Stew So Special?
This recipe stands out because it emphasizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. We're not talking about complex braising techniques or obscure ingredients. This is about building a deep, savory flavor profile from readily available ingredients, letting the natural flavors shine. The result? A thick, satisfying stew that's easy to customize to your liking.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sear the beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
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Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the flavor base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
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Combine and simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef will become.
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Add potatoes and corn: Add the cubed potatoes and continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the frozen corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
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Thicken the gravy (optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can remove about 1 cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch before returning it to the pot. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This dish is delicious on its own or served with crusty bread.
How Long Does This Stew Take to Cook?
The cooking time for this stew is approximately 2-2.5 hours, depending on the tenderness of your beef and the desired doneness of the potatoes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and the beef will become more tender.
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
While stew meat is ideal for its inherent tenderness, you can also use chuck roast or other tougher cuts of beef. Just be prepared to increase the simmering time to ensure the beef is thoroughly cooked.
What Sides Go Well with This Beef Stew?
This hearty stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious gravy. A simple green salad or some steamed green beans would also complement the meal nicely.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will have had time to develop even further. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful homestyle beef stew! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out.
