Instructions:
1. PREP THE BEEF:
Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Toss them with the flour until they’re well coated.
2. BROWN THE BEEF:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
3. SAUTÉ THE AROMATICS:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. DEGLAZE THE POT:
Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits.
5. COOK THE STEW:
Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. ADD VEGETABLES:
Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. FINISH THE STEW:
Stir in the frozen peas and corn, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until heated through. Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
8. SERVE:
Ladle the stew into bowls. Serve hot, with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Tips:
Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the stew thickens.
Wine Selection: If you choose to use wine, a dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir works best in this recipe.
Slow Cooker Variation: After browning the beef and sautéing the onion and garlic, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the peas and corn in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy your homemade beef stew, a classic dish that’s satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for warming up on cold days.
ADVERTISEMENT
