Beef Stew (AAA)

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-3 carrots, chopped
• 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2-3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup peas (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. Searing the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Sautéing Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in the tomato paste and flour (if using), cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Deglazing: If using, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Adding Broth and Seasonings: Add the beef broth, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and the seared beef. Bring to a boil.
7. Simmering: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
8. Adding Peas: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas (if using).
9. Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty Bread: Serve the stew with warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad can be a great accompaniment to balance the richness of the stew.

Enjoy!

Beef stew is a classic, hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors! 🍲🍷