Hearty Beef Stew for Cozy Nights

As the temperature drops and cozy nights become more frequent, there's nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of hearty beef stew. This classic dish combines tender beef with an array of vegetables in a rich, savory broth, making it the perfect meal to warm your soul. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a comforting solo meal, this beef stew is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups of beef broth
1 cup of red wine (optional, for added depth of flavor)
3 tablespoons of tomato paste
4 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
3 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 stalks of celery, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of peas (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Method

Prepare the Beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove it from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine, if using, to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Build the Stew Base: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer the Stew: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.
Add Final Ingredients: About 10 minutes before serving, add the peas and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish: Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Nutritious Value and Pairing Suggestions

Beef stew is not only a comforting dish but also a nutritious one. Packed with protein from the beef and a plethora of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, this dish makes for a balanced meal. The carrots are rich in beta-carotene, potatoes provide potassium and fiber, and peas offer vitamins A, C, and K.

Pairing Suggestions:

Side Dishes: Serve with crusty bread or homemade biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth. A side of creamy mashed potatoes can also complement the stew beautifully.
Salads: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the rich stew.
Drinks: Pair your beef stew with a robust red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to echo the stew's rich flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a warm, spiced apple cider can be a delightful choice.

Enjoy your cozy night in with this hearty beef stew, perfect for warming you from the inside out.