Name: Braised Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into bite-sized chunks; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, diced; 4 cups beef stock; 1 cup dry red wine (or additional beef broth); 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; 2 cups potatoes, cubed; 1 cup frozen peas; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

A heartwarming, flavor-packed dish that brings family together, perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into bite-sized chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, diced
4 cups beef stock
1 cup dry red wine (or additional beef broth)
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
2 cups potatoes, cubed
1 cup frozen peas
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by cutting the beef into bite-sized chunks. Pat them dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Brown the Meat: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the beef in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pot. Brown each piece for 3–4 minutes until golden.
Sauté the Aromatics: Remove the browned beef and add diced onions, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir until softened, about 5 minutes. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom—these add tremendous flavor!
Deglaze with Wine (or Broth): If using red wine, pour it in now, simmering for a couple of minutes to let the alcohol evaporate. If avoiding wine, add a cup of beef broth instead.
Build the Stew: Return the beef to the pot, then add fresh thyme, bay leaves, and the remaining beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Slow Cook: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 120 minutes, preferably longer for better flavor.
Add Root Vegetables: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cubed potatoes and frozen peas. Cook until vegetables are tender.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and stir in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and brightness.
Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

Feel free to substitute red wine with grape juice or additional broth for a non-alcoholic version. Customize vegetables according to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Braising
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: dinner, comfort food, stew, family recipe