A steaming bowl of flavorful beef stew is a comfort that comes second to none. It is the ultimate one-pot meal that you can use to feed a crowd or enjoy as leftovers throughout the week. The tender beef, hearty vegetables, and deliciously thick and savory gravy are perfect for any season. Read on to discover the secret to making the best beef stew you have ever tasted.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– 3 tbsp olive oil

– 1 large onion, chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 4 cups beef broth

– 2 cups peeled and chopped potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold)

– 2 cups chopped carrots

– 2 stalks celery, chopped

– 1 cup diced tomatoes

– 1/4 cup tomato paste

– 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

– 2 bay leaves

– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef pieces with the flour, salt, and pepper until well coated.

2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned beef in batches without overcrowding to ensure proper browning. Brown the beef on all sides until nicely seared. Remove from pot and set aside.

3. In the same pot with the remaining oil, sauté the onion until translucent – about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

4. Gradually stir in the beef broth while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

5. Add back in your seared beef along with potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.

6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1-2 hours or until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally.

7. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs (if using).

8. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish if desired.

This scrumptious beef stew recipe has layers of flavors that meld together beautifully with a well-balanced blend of herbs. It is perfect with crusty bread or biscuits for soaking up any remaining savory gravy. By following this recipe, you can achieve the best beef stew that will become a go-to recipe for years to come. Happy cooking!