BEEF STEW – CLASSIC SLOW COOKED

BEEF STEW – CLASSIC SLOW-COOKED 

A timeless comfort dish, beef stew is slow-cooked to tender perfection with hearty vegetables and rich flavors. This classic recipe is ideal for family dinners, offering warmth, nourishment, and a satisfying depth of taste.

INGREDIENTS

• 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into cubes
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 medium celery stalks, chopped
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 400 g / 14 oz canned tomatoes)
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) tomato paste
• 500 ml (2 cups) beef stock
• 250 ml (1 cup) red wine (optional, can substitute with stock)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 10 g (2 tsp) dried thyme
• 10 g (2 tsp) paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown beef cubes in batches until golden, then remove and set aside.
3. Add onions, garlic, and celery to the pot, sauté until softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and thyme, cooking for 1 minute to release flavors.
5. Add tomatoes and cook until softened and the oil begins to separate.
6. Return beef to the pot, add red wine (if using), and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce.
7. Add beef stock, bay leaves, carrots, and potatoes. Stir well.
8. Cover and simmer gently for 2–2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

HELPFUL COOKING TIPS

• Brown beef thoroughly before simmering to enhance flavor.
• Add vegetables later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• For a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes into the sauce or add a slurry of flour and water.
• Slow cooking is key—avoid rushing for the most tender beef.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors deepen overnight.

PREP TIME

• 20 minutes

COOKING TIME

• 2–2.5 hours

TOTAL TIME

• 2 hours 20 minutes – 2 hours 50 minutes

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

• Calories: ~380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~28 g
• Protein: ~30 g
• Fat: ~15 g
• Fiber: ~5 g

DIETARY TAGS

• High-protein
• Nut-free

ALLERGEN INFORMATION

• Contains no major allergens (free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and shellfish).
• Check stock and spice blends for hidden additives.