beef brisket with tomatoes

How to Make Classic Beef and Tomato Stew: A Complete Guide

Beef and tomato stew, a comforting global favorite, combines tender beef, rich tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering this dish.

Ingredients: 500g beef brisket (cut into 2cm cubes), 4 ripe tomatoes (blanched, peeled, and chopped), 1 onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 carrot (sliced), 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 500ml beef broth, 2 tbsp cooking oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Optional: 1 potato (diced) for heartiness.

Steps:

1. Sear the Beef: Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (2-3 minutes). Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.

3. Simmer: Return beef to the pot. Add tomatoes, carrot, bay leaves, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, or until beef is fork-tender. Stir in potatoes (if using) in the last 30 minutes.

4. Season: Remove bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Serving: Enjoy hot with steamed rice, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes. For extra richness, add a splash of red wine during simmering. This hearty stew is perfect for family meals, offering a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and umami flavors.