**Introduction:**
As the weather turns chilly, there's nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade beef stew. Packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, this classic dish is a true winter warmer. Join us in the kitchen as we guide you through the steps of crafting an easy and delicious homemade beef stew that will fill your home with savory aromas and satisfy your taste buds.
**Ingredients:**
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
**Dredging and Browning the Beef:**
1. **Season and Dredge:**
- Season the beef stew meat with salt and black pepper. Dredge the meat in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. **Brown the Beef:**
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches to achieve a golden crust. Transfer the browned meat to a plate and set aside.
**Sauteing Aromatics:**
1. **Saute Onions and Garlic:**
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
**Creating the Stew Base:**
1. **Deglaze the Pot:**
- Pour in red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
2. **Add Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce:**
- Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring they are well incorporated.
3. **Return Browned Beef to Pot:**
- Return the browned beef to the pot, mixing it with the onions and garlic.
4. **Pour in Beef Broth:**
- Pour in beef broth, ensuring it covers the meat. Add dried thyme and bay leaves for flavor.
5. **Simmer:**
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
**Adding Vegetables:**
1. **Add Potatoes, Carrots, and Celery:**
- Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir well.
2. **Continue Simmering:**
- Cover the pot and continue simmering for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. **Add Peas (Optional):**
- If using frozen peas, add them to the stew during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
**Final Touch and Serving:**
1. **Adjust Seasoning:**
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2. **Remove Bay Leaves:**
- Discard the bay leaves.
3. **Garnish and Serve:**
- Ladle the hot stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes.
**Conclusion:**
Crafting an easy homemade beef stew is a culinary journey that rewards you with a bowl of comforting goodness. Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or shared with loved ones, this hearty stew is a classic that never fails to warm both the body and the soul. So, gather your ingredients, set the pot to simmer, and savor the satisfying flavors of a homemade beef stew made with love.
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