Beef Stew on the Stovetop: A Hearty Meal Perfect for Cold Days

When the weather gets colder, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty meal to make you feel cozy and satisfied. Beef stew is one of those dishes that fits the bill perfectly, and it’s surprisingly easy to make on the stovetop. This recipe from Lounging with Lenny is simple and straightforward, but it produces a rich and flavorful stew that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs. stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup red wine
– 3 tbsp. tomato paste
– 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tsp. dried thyme
– 2 bay leaves
– 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

3. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, and stir to combine. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves, and stir again.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

5. Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot and stir everything together. Cover the pot again and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.

6. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

This beef stew is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a crusty loaf of bread or over mashed potatoes for extra comfort food vibes.

Summary:

– Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or stockpot and brown beef on all sides.
– Sauté onion and garlic until onion is translucent.
– Add beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves and bring to a boil.
– Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
– Add chopped carrots and potatoes and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.