meat stew

Here’s a hearty and flavorful Meat Stew recipe that’s perfect for a comforting meal. This stew is rich and packed with tender meat, vegetables, and a savory broth.

Hearty Meat Stew

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat:
   • Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper.
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Transfer the browned meat to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and Add Liquid:
   • If using red wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
   • Add the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and the browned meat back into the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Stew:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
5. Add Potatoes and Peas:
   • Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
   • Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Thicken the Stew:
   • In a small bowl, mix the flour and cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the stew to thicken the broth. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the stew reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Enjoy your Hearty Meat Stew! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.