Beef Stew

Cozy Beef Stew Recipe 🥩✨

When the Canadian winter hits, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty meal to keep you cozy. This classic beef stew is simple to make and full of rich flavors. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to snuggle up with something comforting!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (0.45 kilograms) (450g (15.87 ounces)) beef stew chunks (look for well-marbled beef for tenderness)
• 3 cups beef broth (use low-sodium for a healthier option)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or use fresh if you have it)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown the meat on all sides (this should take about 5-7 minutes). Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir them around for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavors.
3. Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits (that’s where a lot of the flavor is!). Add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the stew to a boil.
4. Slow Cook: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally, and check the beef and vegetables for tenderness. If needed, cook a little longer until everything is soft and flavorful.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once your stew is done, taste it for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls, serve with some crusty bread on the side, and enjoy your cozy winter meal!

Tips:

• For extra richness, you can add a splash of red wine to the stew when simmering.
• You can also make this in a slow cooker! Just brown the beef and aromatics, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• This stew gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!

Why it’s perfect for winter: This stew is a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s packed with nutrients and warmth to fuel you through the cold months. Plus, it makes great leftovers!