A hearty, comforting meal perfect for cooler weather, beef stew is a timeless classic. This best ever beef stew recipe brings together tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

1 cup red wine (optional)

3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces

3 celery stalks, sliced into 1-inch pieces

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves or 4 fresh thyme sprigs

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl or shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef cubes in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated.

2. In a large pot or dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef cubes (in batches if necessary) and sear them on all sides until they’re browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

3. Reduce the heat to medium and add an additional tablespoon of olive oil to the pot if needed. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Stir in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits that may be stuck on there. This will enhance the overall flavor of your stew.

5. Add the seared beef back to the pot, along with the carrots, celery, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir everything together so that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

6. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 – 2 hours or until the beef is tender. You can partially cover the pot with a lid if you’d like but leave a small gap for steam to escape.

7. Season your stew with additional salt and pepper if desired, and remove the bay leaves before serving. Dish out generous portions of your best ever beef stew into bowls and serve hot alongside some crusty bread or rolls. Enjoy!