Hearty Homestyle Beef Stew the Kind Your Nan Would Make
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper feed? Ever wondered how to make a homemade beef stew that tastes like it came straight from your nan's kitchen? Honestly, this recipe is all about that rich, comforting flavour.
Brief Overview
This classic beef stew recipe isn't some fancy, nouvelle cuisine muck. It's proper British comfort food, originating from humble, hearty meals.
It's a medium difficulty, taking about 3-3. 5 hours total. This recipe makes enough for 6-8 hungry souls.
Main Benefits
Packed with protein and hearty veg, this hearty beef stew recipe is surprisingly good for you. It's the perfect thing to serve on a chilly evening or after a long walk.
What makes this particularly special? It's old fashioned beef stew , the slow simmering that makes it taste amazing.
This Recipe is all about the Ingredients
To nail this best beef stew recipe , you will need: 2 lbs beef chuck, 2 tablespoons olive oil, one large onion, two carrots, two celery stalks, two cloves of garlic and more.
Don't skimp, you know?
You know, when I first tried making this, I rushed the browning of the beef. Big mistake! It really makes all the difference to the flavour.
Plus, I ended up using too much wine once, hahaha, and the stew was, well, let's just say it was a very relaxed Sunday lunch!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Homemade Beef Stew
So, you fancy making a proper beef stew recipe ? Ace! It's all about the ingredients, innit? Let's get down to brass tacks and sort you out.
This traditional beef stew is gonna be the absolute bees knees, I promise! It is comfort food beef stew at its best.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Stew
- Beef Chuck: 2 lbs (900g) , cubed. Honestly, the quality matters. Look for well marbled beef. This means it has flecks of fat running through it. This = flavour!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . Any decent olive oil will do the trick.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped. Brown onions add sweetness, red onions a tang. Your call!
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. Get 'em from the local farm shop if you can.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. Adds a subtle but crucial savoury note.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy! More garlic = more flavour.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (plus extra for dusting). Helps thicken the gravy.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Low sodium is preferable, you can always add more salt later.
- Dry Red Wine: 1 cup (240ml) (optional). Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works a treat. Adds serious depth.
- Bay Leaves: 2 . Essential for that classic stew aroma.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon . Adds warmth and earthiness.
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon . A little goes a long way, it can be quite potent.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 lb (450g) , peeled and cubed. They hold their shape beautifully.
- Parsnips: 1 lb (450g) , peeled and cubed (optional). Adds a lovely sweetness.
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup (120g) . Thrown in right at the end for a pop of freshness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy! Seasoning is key for a hearty beef stew recipe .
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped, for garnish. Makes it look all fancy.
Seasoning: Elevating the Flavours
For this easy beef stew recipe , bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary are your core trio. They create that classic stew flavour profile.
A splash of red wine really elevates the classic beef stew recipe giving it a richness that's hard to beat.
I've been known to chuck in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce too. Just a little flavour enhancer! And for all those people that want to make a slow cooker beef stew or crockpot beef stew do not change the quantities!
Equipment: Keeping It Simple
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Bottomed Pot: Essential for even cooking.
- Cutting Board: For chopping your veggies.
- Chef's Knife: A good knife makes all the difference.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for a best beef stew recipe you’ll want to cook again!
Honestly, you don't need anything fancy. A sturdy pot is the most important thing. And if you don't have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy bottomed saucepan will do just fine.
Now, you're all set to make the old fashioned beef stew !
Cooking Method: The Secret to the Best Homemade Beef Stew
Right then, let's talk homemade beef stew . Not the watery stuff your school dinner lady used to serve up. We're talking proper, hearty, comfort food beef stew that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a roaring fire.
It's a Classic beef stew recipe! honestly! You know, the kind that makes your kitchen smell amazing. This is a hearty beef stew recipe.
It's like a hug in a bowl, innit?
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first, prep is key. Get your 900g of beef chuck , cut into cubes, ready. Chop 1 large onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks .
Mince 2 cloves of garlic . It sounds boring, but honestly, having everything ready saves you from flapping about later. It's time saving organization!
step-by-step to Stew Perfection
- Pat your beef dry. Season it generously with salt, pepper and flour. This helps it brown beautifully.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven. Brown the beef in batches. Don't overcrowd! Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5- 7 minutes . Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the veggies. Cook for 1 minute . Deglaze the pot with 240ml red wine (optional).
- Pour in 950ml beef broth . Add 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon rosemary .
- Return the beef. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover. Simmer for 2-2. 5 hours . Until the beef is tender.
- Add 450g potatoes and 450g parsnips . Simmer for 30 minutes more. Add 120g frozen peas in the last 5 minutes .
Pro Tips for Legendary Stew
Don't rush the browning. It adds loads of flavour. Use a good quality beef broth. Makes a difference! And honestly? Make it a day ahead.
It tastes even better the next day. You can view this Easy beef stew recipe online.
So, there you have it. A truly proper traditional beef stew . Enjoy! And let me know how you get on! I hope this will be the Best beef stew recipe you will ever try.
I promise you will enjoy this Crockpot beef stew or even in the slow cooker!
Recipe Notes for the Best Beef Stew Recipe
Right then, let's talk shop about this homemade beef stew . This isn't just a recipe; it's a journey. It's about creating a proper comfort food beef stew , the kind that sticks to your ribs and warms you right through.
Here are a few notes to make yours top-notch.
Plating Like a Pro...Or Just a Hungry Person
Listen, presentation doesn't have to be fancy. A big bowl of this classic beef stew recipe is pretty darn beautiful in itself.
But if you fancy leveling up, a sprinkle of fresh parsley always looks the business. A dollop of mash? Chef's kiss .
And for drinks? Honestly, a good hearty beef stew recipe pairs perfectly with a pint of your favourite ale or even a glass of red wine.
Dunking some crusty bread in there? That is a must!
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once cooled, bung your beef stew recipe in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Honestly, it tastes even better the next day! Fancy freezing it? Go for it! It'll keep for up to 3 months.
Just make sure it's completely cool before freezing. Reheating is easy. Gently warm it up on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot.
That means at least 75C (165F) to be safe.
Variations: Get Creative!
Fancy a change? Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a bit of sweetness. Or ditch the beef altogether and use mushrooms and lentils for a cracking vegetarian version.
For a spicy kick , add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce. My nan used to swear by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavour, so don't be afraid to experiment with that too!.
I once tried adding fennel instead of celery and it was absolutely banging.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
So, you might be thinking "what's the health lowdown here?", it's loaded with goodness. Each serving clocks in around 450-550 calories , packed with 40-45g of protein to keep you full and 5-7g of fiber .
It is so much more than just delicious it's doing you some good too.
Making a traditional beef stew is a labor of love, I know. But trust me, it's worth every minute. Grab your ingredients, put on some tunes, and get ready to create a dish that'll become a firm family favourite.
You've got this! I made this slow cooker beef stew on a Sunday afternoon and it was proper lush. I think I'll make a crockpot beef stew next time for easiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it so important to brown the beef when making homemade beef stew? Can I skip it?
Browning the beef is absolutely key, mate! It's not just for looks; it creates a delicious, rich crust that adds incredible depth of flavour to your homemade beef stew. Skipping this step will result in a much blander stew.
Think of it like a good cup of tea you wouldn't just dunk the bag in cold water, would you?
My homemade beef stew is a bit watery. How can I thicken it up without using cornflour?
No soggy bottoms here! If your stew is too thin, there are a few tricks. First, you can simmer it uncovered for a while to allow the liquid to reduce naturally. Alternatively, mash a few of the potatoes in the stew to release their starch and thicken the gravy.
A roux will also do the trick, whisk some flour and butter together in a pan and cook to the desired darkness.
How long can I keep homemade beef stew in the fridge? And can you freeze it?
Your delicious homemade beef stew will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container, like a well behaved labrador waiting for a treat. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags.
It'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months perfect for a quick and easy meal on a chilly night!
Can I make this beef stew in a slow cooker? What adjustments do I need to make?
Absolutely, a slow cooker is brilliant for beef stew, like a pressure cooker for a modern twist. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as instructed in the recipe first, as this is a very important step to not miss out. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the liquids and seasonings.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender. You might need to add a little cornstarch slurry towards the end if you want a thicker gravy.
I'm watching my salt intake. How can I reduce the sodium in this homemade beef stew recipe?
Good on you for being health conscious! The biggest culprit for sodium is usually the beef broth. Opt for low-sodium beef broth, or even better, make your own. Be mindful of the salt you add throughout the cooking process taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
You can also boost the flavour with herbs and spices instead of relying on salt alone.
What are some good variations I can try with this beef stew to spice things up?
Fancy a bit of adventure? Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy kick, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavour. You could also throw in some different vegetables like mushrooms or swede. For a richer flavour, add a tablespoon of tomato paste during the vegetable sautéing stage.
For a modern twist you could also add some dumplings. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Hearty Homestyle Beef Stew The Kind Your Nan Wou
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
