Why You’ll Love This Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty meal that warms both the body and soul, you’ll love this homemade beef stew recipe.
I can’t tell you how many times this dish has brought comfort on chilly nights. The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a savory experience that’s downright irresistible.
It’s easy to prepare, and the aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone enthusiastically awaiting dinner. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies!
Whether I’m sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet night, this beef stew always hits the spot. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Homemade Beef Stew
When it comes to whipping up a delicious homemade beef stew, the first step is gathering all the right ingredients. You’ll want to make sure you have everything on hand before you plunge into cooking. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing you’re missing a key ingredient halfway through the process.
So let’s take a look at what you need to create this comforting classic.
Ingredients for Homemade Beef Stew:
- 3 lbs boneless chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 large yellow onions, chopped
- 5 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup bacon, diced
- 15 ounces corn, drained
- 15 ounces peas, drained
- 2 (11 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
- 5 cups beef stock
- 2 cups red wine
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Now, while this list looks like a lot, many of these ingredients are staples you might already have in your pantry or fridge. For instance, potatoes, onions, and carrots are pretty common fare.
And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of one of these veggies; the beauty of stew is its versatility. You can swap out ingredients based on what you enjoy or what’s in season. Maybe you have some green beans or parsnips lying around that are begging to be used.
Go ahead, get creative! Just remember that the heart of this recipe is the beef and the broth, so keep those intact for the best flavor. Happy cooking!
How to Make Homemade Beef Stew
Making a homemade beef stew is truly a labor of love, and trust me, the end result is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. To kick things off, grab your 3 pounds of boneless chuck roast and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Season that meat with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and don’t forget to coat it in 2 tablespoons of flour. This little trick helps to thicken the stew down the line.
Heat up 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in your trusty 6-quart pot over high heat. Once that oil is shimmering, toss in the meat. Brown it for about a minute on each side. You want a nice sear, but don’t worry if it’s not cooked through; we’ll get there. When it’s all browned up, take the meat out and set it aside for a moment.
Now, let’s lower the heat to medium and add 1/2 cup of diced bacon, along with 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped yellow onion. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes. The aroma? Oh, it’s like a warm hug!
After the onions are translucent and the bacon is crispy, pour in 2 cups of red wine. Let this reduce for about 10 minutes; it’s an essential step that deepens the flavor. Now, return the beef to the pot, and add in 2 cans of condensed tomato soup, 5 cups of beef stock, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and cumin, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Bring this glorious concoction to a boil before lowering the heat to a simmer, covering it, and letting it cook for at least 2 hours. Don’t forget to stir it occasionally; it’s like taking care of a pet—lots of love and attention goes a long way.
After those 2 hours have passed, it’s time to add the good stuff. Toss in 3 peeled and chopped potatoes, 5 peeled and chopped carrots, 1 cup of chopped mushrooms, 15 ounces of drained corn, and 15 ounces of drained peas.
Bring everything back to a boil, then cook uncovered for about 40 minutes. This is where the stew starts to thicken and the flavors meld together beautifully. I always find myself sneaking a taste or two during this time—who can resist?
Finally, when the veggies are tender and the stew is bubbling, remember to remove the bay leaves. And there you have it, a comforting bowl of homemade beef stew that’s perfect for sharing. Enjoy it with some crusty bread, and don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds.
Homemade Beef Stew Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that delicious homemade beef stew, you might find yourself wanting to experiment a bit.
I love swapping out ingredients based on what I’ve on hand. For example, try using sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a different flavor. You can also toss in green beans or zucchini for added veggies.
If you’re not a fan of red wine, beef broth works just fine. For a twist, add some Worcestershire sauce or even a splash of soy sauce.
The beauty of beef stew is its versatility, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
What to Serve with Homemade Beef Stew
What can elevate your homemade beef stew experience?
I love serving it with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all that rich broth. A simple side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette adds a revitalizing contrast.
If I’m feeling indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes can be a delightful addition, making the meal even heartier.
Pairing it with a glass of red wine enhances the flavors beautifully.
For a touch of brightness, I might add pickled vegetables on the side.
These accompaniments not only complement the stew but also create a comforting and satisfying dining experience.
Additional Tips & Notes
To elevate your homemade beef stew, consider marinating the meat overnight in red wine and herbs for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
I’ve found that using a mix of fresh herbs, like thyme and rosemary, really boosts the dish.
For a heartier stew, don’t hesitate to add your favorite vegetables—parsnips or turnips work beautifully.
If you want a thicker consistency, simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it in during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Ultimately, let it sit for a bit before serving; the flavors deepen as it cools slightly.
Enjoy!