There’s just something about a cold day that screams for a bowl of *Hearty Beef Stew*, right? I mean, seriously, is there anything better than sinking into a comfy chair with a steaming bowl of tender beef and perfectly cooked veggies swimming in a rich, flavorful broth? This isn’t just any stew; it’s *Hearty Beef Stew* elevated to something truly special. The beef is fall-apart tender, and the vegetables? Oh, they’re bursting with flavor!

I remember one winter when I was little. My grandma made a huge pot of beef stew after a snow day. We were all snowed in, and the warmth and smell of that stew filled the whole house. It felt like a giant hug, and honestly, this recipe tries to capture that same feeling. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Beef Stew

Okay, so why *this* beef stew recipe? Trust me, you’re gonna love it. It’s got everything you want in a great stew – amazing flavor, it’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Simple & Easy Hearty Beef Stew

Don’t let a long simmer time scare you! This *Hearty Beef Stew* is actually super straightforward to throw together. The steps are simple, and most of the time is hands-off while it simmers away, making your kitchen smell amazing.

Flavor-Packed Hearty Beef Stew

Wow, the flavor! The combo of seared beef, yummy herbs, and a splash of red wine creates a deeply savory and rich taste that’s just incredible. The smoked paprika? My favorite part is that flavor!

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Hearty Beef Stew

Seriously, this *Hearty Beef Stew* is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and just makes you feel good from the inside out. Perfect for those days when you just need a little extra coziness.

Ingredients for the Best Hearty Beef Stew

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Getting good quality stuff makes a HUGE difference in this *Hearty Beef Stew*, trust me. Here’s the lineup – don’t skimp!

1 (2 pound) boneless beef round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes – I like round steak ’cause it gets super tender.
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste – Don’t be shy with the seasoning, folks!
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon smoked paprika – This adds a smoky depth, yum!
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 cups chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is life, right?
4 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups dry red wine – A good splash makes it rich!
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
3 bay leaves – Don’t forget to take these out later!
2 cups beef broth, or more as needed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – For that umami kick!
3 cups chopped carrots
3 cups cubed Yukon Gold potatoes – Yukon Golds are the best, in my opinion!
1 cup fresh peas
1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or to taste

How to Make Hearty Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? This *Hearty Beef Stew* recipe is easier than it looks, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness in no time. Don’t worry if you mess up a little; that’s how you learn!

Preparing the Beef for Hearty Beef Stew

First things first, let’s get that beef ready! In a big bowl, toss those beef cubes with a good pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Really season them well – it makes a difference! Next, add the flour and smoked paprika. Toss it all together until the beef is evenly coated. This helps create a nice crust when you sear it, and it also helps thicken the stew later. Now, heat up that canola oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, don’t overcrowd the pot! You want a nice, deep brown color on all sides, about 10-11 minutes per batch. Trust me, browning the beef is KEY for flavor, so don’t skip this step! Set the seared beef aside on a plate.

Building the Flavor Base of Your Hearty Beef Stew

Now for the good stuff! Add the chopped onion to the drippings left in the pot. Season with a little more salt and pepper (yes, more!). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to get soft and caramelize, about 10 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen! Add the minced garlic and stir until it’s fragrant, just about 30 seconds – you don’t want it to burn! Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook until it turns a deeper color and starts to stick to the bottom of the pan – this is super important for that rich, savory flavor.

Braising for Tender Hearty Beef Stew

Pour in that red wine and bring it to a boil, scraping up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This is called deglazing, and it adds SO much flavor! Cook until the wine is almost evaporated, about 3 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, herbes de Provence, and bay leaves. Then, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and bring it all to a boil. Return the seared beef to the pot, cover it with the lid, and pop it into the preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Braise that stew until the beef is almost tender, about 1 hour 30 minutes.

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Adding Vegetables and Finishing Your Hearty Beef Stew

Take the pot out of the oven (careful, it’s hot!), and add the chopped carrots and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. If the stew looks a little dry, add some more beef broth – you want everything to be covered. Cover the pot again and return it to the oven to braise until the beef and vegetables are totally tender, about 30 minutes more. Almost there! Discard those bay leaves (nobody wants to bite into those!). Stir in the fresh peas, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Hearty Beef Stew

Want to take your *Hearty Beef Stew* from good to AMAZING? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years to make sure it’s absolutely perfect every single time.

Browning the Beef for Deep Flavor in Your Hearty Beef Stew

Seriously, don’t skip the searing step! Browning the beef creates this incredible crust that adds so much depth to the stew. It’s called the Maillard reaction, and it’s basically flavor magic. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pot, or the beef will steam instead of sear. Trust me, that golden-brown color is worth the extra effort!

Seasoning Your Hearty Beef Stew to Perfection

Okay, this is key: taste as you go! Seasoning is so personal, so don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to YOUR liking. I always start with the amounts in the recipe, but then I taste and add a little more of whatever I think it needs. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! A little extra thyme or rosemary can really brighten things up.

Thickening Your Hearty Beef Stew

If you like a thicker stew (and who doesn’t?), there are a couple of easy ways to thicken it up. You can make a slurry with cornstarch and cold water (about 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 2 tablespoons water) and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Or, for a more rustic approach, mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot. Both ways work great!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Hearty Beef Stew

Sometimes you gotta make do with what you’ve got, right? So, here are a few notes on the ingredients in this *Hearty Beef Stew* and some easy swaps you can make. Don’t stress if you’re missing something – just get creative!

Beef Options for Hearty Beef Stew

Okay, so I love using beef round steak ’cause it gets super tender when it’s braised. But, if you can’t find it, no worries! Chuck roast is another great option – it’s a little fattier, which means even MORE flavor! Just trim off any big chunks of fat before you sear it. Stew meat works too, but honestly, sometimes it can be a little tough. Just braise it a little longer if you go that route.

Vegetable Variations for Your Hearty Beef Stew

Carrots and potatoes are classic, but feel free to mix it up! Parsnips would be delicious in this stew – they’ve got a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that goes great with beef. Or how about some turnips? And if you’re not a pea person (I get it!), green beans would be a yummy substitute. Just add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy.

Herb Alternatives for Hearty Beef Stew

Thyme, rosemary, and herbes de Provence are my go-to herbs for this *Hearty Beef Stew*, but you can totally play around with other flavors. If you don’t have herbes de Provence, just use a little extra thyme and rosemary. Or, try adding a pinch of oregano or marjoram. A bay leaf (or two!) is always a good idea for adding depth. Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs work just fine in a pinch – just use about half the amount since they’re more concentrated.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Hearty Beef Stew

Alright, you’ve got this amazing pot of *Hearty Beef Stew*… but what do you serve with it? I’m a big fan of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious gravy, but mashed potatoes are also a total winner. Or, if you want something a little lighter, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette is perfect to balance out the richness. Yum!

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Storing and Reheating Your Hearty Beef Stew

Lucky you if you have leftovers! This *Hearty Beef Stew* tastes even better the next day, seriously! Just let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days. To reheat, just simmer it on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s warmed through. Or, zap it in the microwave – easy peasy!

Hearty Beef Stew FAQs

Got questions about making this *Hearty Beef Stew*? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked all the time. Don’t be shy – if you have more, just ask in the comments!

Can I make Hearty Beef Stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Slow cookers are AMAZING for stews. Just sear the beef like the recipe says, then toss everything (except the peas) into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is super tender. Stir in the peas during the last 30 minutes. It’s so easy, and your house will smell incredible all day!

How long does Hearty Beef Stew last in the refrigerator?

If you’ve got leftovers (and lucky you if you do!), your *Hearty Beef Stew* will last in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Yum!

Can I freeze Hearty Beef Stew?

Yes, you can totally freeze this *Hearty Beef Stew*! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, since liquids expand when they freeze. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, just pop it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Disclaimer: Nutritional Information for Hearty Beef Stew

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m a home cook, not a nutritionist! The nutritional info provided for this *Hearty Beef Stew* is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (like the brand of beef broth, the cut of beef, etc.). So, please don’t take it as gospel. If you need precise nutritional information, it’s always best to calculate it yourself using your own ingredients. Just sayin’!

Enjoy Your Hearty Beef Stew!

Okay, that’s it! Now go make this *Hearty Beef Stew* and enjoy! If you love it as much as I do, please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share it with your friends. Happy cooking!