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Cozy Up with an Easy Beef Stew Recipe Tonight
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Cozy Up with an Easy Beef Stew Recipe Tonight

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds pounds beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch chunks
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water (just to loosen things up later)
  • 2 cup carrots, sliced
  • 2 cup potatoes, cubed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cornstarch or flour for thickening (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but pretty)

Instructions

  • Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until nicely caramelized. Don’t crowd the pan—brown, not steam. Set aside.
  • In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until they’re soft and a little golden. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of broth to lift the fond.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute to wake up the flavor. Add thyme and bay leaf.
  • Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  • Cover and simmer 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally and adjust salt/pepper.
  • If you want a thicker stew, whisk a little cornstarch or flour with cold water and stir in to reach your desired consistency. Simmer a few more minutes to thicken.
  • Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.