Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

Recipe: Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

Introduction: This hearty beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, filled with tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish is easy to make, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prep for the week, it’s sure to warm you up!

Ingredients:

1 lb beef stew meat (cubed)
3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into rounds
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper, then brown the beef in batches, ensuring all sides are seared. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the pot: If necessary, add a little beef broth to the pot and scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. These add great flavor to the stew.
Add the liquid: Stir in the tomato paste (if using), dried thyme, rosemary, and the remaining beef broth. Return the browned beef to the pot.
Simmer the stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Add potatoes and carrots: Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Cover and cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.