Homemade beef stew is a hearty dish made with chunks of beef, vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, all simmered in a flavorful broth typically seasoned with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. It’s a classic comfort food enjoyed in many cuisines around the world.

Here’s a classic homemade beef stew recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) stewing beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Toss with flour until evenly coated.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef cubes to the pot. Add bay leaves and dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
6. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Cover and simmer for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened.
7. Optional: Add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking, if desired.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve: Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade beef stew! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, especially on cooler days.