Hearty Homestyle Stew

Hearty Homestyle Stew
Introduction
Hearty Homestyle Stew is the ultimate comfort food — warm, filling, and brimming with tender meat, wholesome vegetables, and a savory broth. This dish has been a family favorite for generations, often served on chilly evenings or Sunday dinners. Its slow-cooked richness makes it both satisfying and nourishing, bringing the warmth of home to every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into cubes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown beef on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in red wine (if using), scraping up browned bits for extra flavor.
- Return beef to the pot. Add broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
- Stir in diced potatoes and continue simmering for 30 minutes.
- Add peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy hot with crusty bread.
Description
This Hearty Homestyle Stew is rich, flavorful, and deeply comforting. The tender beef melts in your mouth, while the vegetables add a rustic touch and natural sweetness. The slow-cooked broth ties everything together, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Tips
- For a richer stew, replace half the broth with beef bone broth.
- For a thicker consistency, mix 1 tbsp flour with 2 tbsp water and stir into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Swap beef with lamb or chicken for variation.
- Stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Correction
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce if the stew tastes bland.
- Balance acidity with a teaspoon of sugar or honey if the tomato paste is too sharp.
- Add more herbs near the end to freshen up the flavor.
Enjoy
Spoon a generous portion into a deep bowl, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with warm bread. Every bite will bring comfort, warmth, and the nostalgic taste of a homemade meal.