This hearty beef stew is perfect for a comforting meal, filled with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s easy to prepare and great for a cozy dinner with family or friends.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds beef cubes (preferably stew meat)
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 340 ml beer (choose a good lager or ale)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Method:
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes to the pan. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a depth of flavor to the beef, enhancing the stew’s richness. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions. Stir and cook them for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. This will help bring out their natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings:
- Pour in the beer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This adds even more flavor to the stew. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and sugar. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and beer.
- Return the Beef to the Pot:
- Add the browned beef cubes back into the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking time allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- Add Vegetables:
- About 30 minutes before the stew is done, add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot. These will cook through and absorb the flavors of the stew. Stir them in well.
- Final Taste and Adjustments:
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, remove the stew from the heat. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice, if desired. Enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of your delicious homemade beef stew!
This beef stew is a crowd-pleaser, packed with savory, umami-filled flavors from the beef, beer, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day or to serve at a family gathering. Enjoy!