Classic Beef Stew Recipe 🥩🥕🍲

There’s nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew on a cozy evening! This recipe is packed with tender beef, flavorful veggies, and a rich, savory broth that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. 💛

Ingredients:
🥩 For the Beef:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt 🧂
1/2 tsp black pepper
🍲 For the Stew:

3 tbsp olive oil or butter 🧈
1 onion, diced 🧅
3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
4 cups beef broth 🍖
2 tbsp tomato paste 🍅
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 carrots, sliced 🥕
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed 🥔
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1 tsp dried thyme 🌿
2 bay leaves 🍃

Instructions:
1️⃣ Prep the Beef:
In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

2️⃣ Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning each side. Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

4️⃣ Build the Base:
Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes to develop the flavor. Add Worcestershire sauce and deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth, scraping up the browned bits.

5️⃣ Simmer the Stew:
Return the beef to the pot, add the remaining beef broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

6️⃣ Final Touch:
Add peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
Remove bay leaves, ladle into bowls, and serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits on the side. 🥖✨

Pro Tips:
✔️ For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine while deglazing. 🍷
✔️ Use fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley as garnish. 🌿
✔️ Make it ahead – stew tastes even better the next day!