Dutch Oven Beef Stew Recipe: Hearty and Delicious Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a filling and satisfying meal to warm up your body and soul, look no further than this classic Dutch oven beef stew recipe. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a perfect example of comfort food at its best. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making this delicious stew, sharing tips and tricks along the way for any aspiring home cook.

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 3 bay leaves
– 4 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 stalks celery, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
– Chopped parsley or other fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

4. Brown the seasoned beef in batches until all sides are browned and crispy. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set it aside.

5. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Dutch oven and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

6. Stir in the beef broth, water, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

7. Return the browned beef to the Dutch oven and stir it into the sauce.

8. Bring the stew to a simmer and cover the Dutch oven with a lid.

9. Bake in the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

10. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the Dutch oven and stir them into the stew.

11. Cover the Dutch oven again and bake for an additional hour, or until the vegetables are tender.

12. Stir in the thawed peas and let them warm through for a few minutes.

13. Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped parsley or other fresh herbs if desired.

Tips and Tricks:

– You can use any type of beef stew meat for this recipe, such as chuck, sirloin, or round.
– Browning the meat before adding it to the sauce adds flavor and texture to the finished stew.
– To save time, you can brown the meat and sauté the onion and garlic in advance, then finish the stew in the oven later.
– If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot or even a slow cooker instead.
– This stew is even better the next day, as the flavors will continue to meld together overnight. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage.

In summary, this Dutch oven beef stew recipe is a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for cold winter nights or anytime you’re craving comfort food. By following these simple steps and using quality ingredients, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how satisfying homemade beef stew can be!