Rustic Beef Stew Recipe

Indulge in the heartwarming, soul-nourishing experience of rustic beef stew, a classic dish that has graced family tables for generations. This timeless recipe combines tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and robust seasonings, simmered to perfection, creating a rich, flavorful stew that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients for the Perfect Rustic Beef Stew

Creating a mouthwatering rustic beef stew begins with selecting the finest ingredients. Here is what you will need:

• 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup of red wine (optional)
• 6 cups of beef broth
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Preparing the Beef for the Stew

1. Season the Beef: Generously season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. This foundational step ensures that each piece of meat is flavorful.
2. Sear the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.

Building the Flavor Base

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
2. Incorporate the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. This step enhances the depth of the stew’s flavor by caramelizing the tomato paste slightly.

Deglazing and Simmering

1. Deglaze with Wine: If using red wine, pour it into the pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits stuck to the pot. These bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor. Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Add the Broth and Beef: Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour.

Adding Vegetables and Finishing the Stew

1. Incorporate Vegetables: After the initial simmering, add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables and beef are tender.
2. Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this into the stew to thicken it. Allow the stew to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Final Touches: Add the peas and cook for another 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Rustic beef stew is best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, savory broth. For a complete meal, consider serving the stew alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.

Storing and Reheating

This stew stores beautifully and often tastes even better the next day.

1. Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating: Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval.

Tips for the Best Rustic Beef Stew

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for beef chuck roast or another well-marbled cut. These cuts become tender and flavorful after long, slow cooking.
2. Brown the Beef: Do not skip the step of browning the beef. It adds a rich, deep flavor to the stew.
3. Layer the Flavors: Building flavor at each stage—seasoning the beef, sautéing the aromatics, and deglazing the pot—ensures a complex, satisfying stew.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Allowing the stew to simmer gently for several hours develops a depth of flavor and tenderness in the beef and vegetables.
5. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to enhance the final dish.