What is a recipe for beef stew?

Classic Beef Stew Recipe

This recipe is a classic comfort food, perfect for a cold winter day. It's easy to make and can be adapted to your preferences.

Ingredients:

* For the Beef:

* 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

* For the Stew:

* 1 large onion, chopped

* 2 carrots, chopped

* 2 celery stalks, chopped

* 4 cloves garlic, minced

* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

* 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth

* 1 cup red wine (optional)

* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

* 1 teaspoon dried thyme

* 1 bay leaf

* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

* Salt and pepper to taste

* 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring all sides are browned. Set aside.

2. Sauté vegetables: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Make the roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Return beef and simmer: Add the browned beef back to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender.

6. Add peas (optional): Stir in frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

7. Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve with crusty bread.

Tips:

* For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef chuck roast.

* You can substitute red wine with equal parts beef broth or water.

* For a thicker stew, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

* This stew freezes well! Simply cool completely and store in airtight containers.

Enjoy!