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Stovetop Beef Stew

Classic Stovetop Beef Stew Recipe

Stove Top Beef Stew is a traditional dish made by simmeringbeef, vegetables, and seasonings on the stove. Unlike slow-cooked stews, it’smade in a shorter time, making it ideal for those who want a comforting mealwithout the long wait. The beef becomes tender, and the vegetables soak up allthe savory flavors as they cook together. This method is simple yet delivers arich and satisfying stew.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat chuck roast works best
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons flour optional, for thickening
  • 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Lid for the Pot

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-6 minutes. This step adds rich flavor to the stew. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
  2. Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the tomato paste, stirring to coat the vegetables. This step helps build the stew's base flavor.
  4. Deglaze the pot: Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits left from browning the beef.
  5. Simmer the stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  6. Add potatoes: After about 1 ½ hours, add the diced potatoes. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender.
  7. Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Once the beef is tender and the stew has thickened, remove the bay leaf and serve hot. Pair it with crusty bread for a comforting meal!

Notes

I cooked this stove top beef stew to provide you with a cozy, comforting meal that the whole family will love. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks or anyone craving a warm, hearty dish on a chilly day. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor that gets better as it simmers. Just follow the simple steps, and you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time.