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A metal tray holds a bowl of beef stew with chunks of meat, vegetables, seasonings, and tomato paste.

Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Fatimah
Chunks of tenderly cooked beef infused in a broth of tomato paste, fresh veggies, and aromatic herbs and spices, creating a hearty meal that is not only satisfying but also toothsome. It is a perfect fit for warm family gatherings during cold evenings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Calories 271 kcal

Ingredients
  

Beef Prep

  • 1 pound beef stew chunks
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Stew

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 yellow onion medium
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 dry bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 pound baby potatoes cut in half or quartered
  • 4 large carrots peeled and cut into ½-inch thick pieces

Instructions
 

  • Add the cornstarch to the beef and coat well.
  • Melt the butter in a pot, and add the tablespoon of oil.
  • Add the beef and the seasonings in the Beef Prep.
  • Let it brown, get it a nice sear, and remove.
  • Add the remaining oil, garlic, and onion.
  • Sauté until translucent.
  • Add the carrots, potatoes, and seared beef.
  • Add the tomato paste and bay leaves, and then add the seasonings.
  • Mix well and add the broth.
  • Let it come to a boil for 5 minutes on high heat before lowering the heat to low.
  • Leave it to cook for about an hour or an hour and a half or until all is tender.
  • Once cooked, mix the cornstarch with the 2 tablespoons of cold water until cornstarch is totally dissolved.
  • Add the cornstarch mixture to the stew and mix until thickened.
  • Serve the stew with mashed potatoes or any other side of your preference.

Notes

  • Opt for some good-quality beef, preferably chuck or stew meat. Trim excess fat and cut it into uniform chunks for even cooking.
  • The saying that "patience pays off" is very applicable in this recipe. By allowing the stew to simmer slowly, you help tenderize the meat and let flavors meld for a truly scrumptious product.
  • If you like the stew to be thicker, you can mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.
  • Before serving the warm stew, you can even have more freshness by stirring in chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • For unique twists, you can use coconut milk for creaminess or balsamic vinegar for a hint of acidity without resorting to alcohol.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 375mgPotassium: 688mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 873IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg
Keyword beef, Beef dinner recipes, cozy, easy, Stew
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