This beef stew recipe is perfect for a 9 quart Dutch oven, allowing you to prepare a large batch that serves a crowd. It combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth for a satisfying meal.
The recipe is straightforward and utilizes basic cooking techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients for a Hearty Beef Stew
Creating a delicious beef stew starts with selecting the right ingredients. For this recipe, you will need 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. This cut is ideal for slow cooking, ensuring the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
Along with the beef, gather 4 medium carrots, sliced, and 4 medium potatoes, diced. These vegetables add both texture and nutrition to the dish. A large onion, chopped, and 4 cloves of minced garlic will enhance the stew’s aromatic profile.
To create a rich broth, you will need 4 cups of beef broth, complemented by 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for depth of flavor. Seasonings like dried thyme and rosemary, along with salt and pepper to taste, will elevate the overall taste. Optionally, cornstarch can be used for thickening the stew, and fresh parsley serves as a lovely garnish.
Preparation Steps for the Stew
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Cut the beef into cubes, slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This initial step ensures everything is ready for cooking and makes the process smoother.
Next, heat olive oil in your 9 quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for your stew.
Combining Ingredients for the Stew
After sautéing the vegetables, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
Thickening and Serving the Stew
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This will give your stew a heartier consistency.
Once the stew is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot alongside a slice of crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
Enjoying Your Hearty Beef Stew
This beef stew is not just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. The combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth creates a satisfying experience for everyone at the dinner table.
Gather your family or friends around, and enjoy this hearty stew on a chilly evening. The rustic charm of the wooden table adds to the cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect setting for sharing stories and laughter over a delicious meal.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep for the week. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with 30 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat, providing a balanced meal.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available. This stew is versatile and can easily accommodate different vegetables or spices, allowing you to make it your own.
Easy Beef Stew Recipe for Dutch Oven
This beef stew features chunks of beef simmered with carrots, potatoes, and onions in a savory broth. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and serves 6-8 people.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the beef into cubes, slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Brown the Beef: In the Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the Stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g