The Dutch Oven Beef Stew! Easy and Delicious!

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and perfect for cold days. The Dutch Oven Beef Stew is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that will warm you up from the inside out. The beauty of using a Dutch oven for this recipe is that the heat distribution is even, and the stew simmers perfectly to tenderize the beef and evenly cook the vegetables.

Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 large onion, diced
– 5 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat up the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. When the oil is hot, add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
5. Remove the beef and set it aside.
6. In the same Dutch oven, add the onions, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are softened and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
8. Add the beef back into the Dutch oven with the vegetables.
9. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
10. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
11. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the oven.
12. Bake on the middle rack for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
13. Remove from the oven and serve hot with bread.

Summary:

– Preheat the oven to 350°F.
– Season and brown the beef in the Dutch oven.
– Cook the vegetables in the Dutch oven.
– Add the beef back into the Dutch oven with the vegetables and spices.
– Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer.
– Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the oven.
– Bake on the middle rack for about 2 hours.
– Remove from the oven and serve hot with bread.