beef stewed carrot

How to Make Hearty Beef and Carrot Stew: A Complete Guide

Beef and carrot stew is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish perfect for cold days. Here’s a simple yet delicious method to achieve tender beef and sweet, caramelized carrots.

Ingredients:

500g beef chuck (cut into 1.5-inch cubes), 2 large carrots (sliced), 1 onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 4 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. For richness, add 1 tbsp olive oil or butter.

Steps:

1. Sear the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Pat beef dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add onion and garlic, cooking until soft (3-4 minutes). Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

3. Simmer the Stew: Return beef to the pot. Add broth, thyme, bay leaves, and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.

4. Add Carrots: Toss in carrots and continue simmering for 30-40 minutes, until beef is fork-tender and carrots are soft.

5. Finish and Serve: Discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Variations: For extra flavor, add potatoes, celery, or a splash of red wine. Enjoy this wholesome stew that’s easy to customize and sure to satisfy!