This hearty beef stew is easy and delicious. Packed full of protein and veggies, you can feel good about filling up on this comfort food. This stew makes the perfect winter meal, paired with fresh bread or dinner rolls.
What kind of wine is best?
Any dry red wine will pair well with the flavors in this beef stew but I prefer Cabernet Sauvignon. The potential for Cabernet Sauvignon to complement beef stew lies in its ability to cut through the richness of the dish and provide a contrasting layer of complexity.
The bold tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon can act as a palate cleanser, preventing the stew from feeling too heavy or fatty. The dark fruit flavors of the wine, such as black currant and cherry, can complement the savory notes of the beef and vegetables. The oak aging, if present, can add further complexity with notes of vanilla and spice, which can harmonize with the herbs in the stew.
However, it’s crucial to select the right type of Cabernet Sauvignon. A young, highly tannic Cabernet Sauvignon might overwhelm the stew, creating a harsh and unbalanced pairing. A more mature Cabernet Sauvignon, with softened tannins and more developed flavors, is generally a better choice.
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute for beef broth but I highly recommend using wine.
Can I add anything else to this stew?
Feel free to change it up and add potatoes, mushrooms, or any other vegetables that you prefer. I’ve also put a Mediterranean twist on this recipe by adding olives for a salty bite.
How to Make Simple Hearty Beef Stew:
Step 1: In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add beef and cook 5 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove from pan.
Step 2: Add carrots, onion, celery and garlic. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Return beef to pan.
Step 4: Stir in water, red wine, dried thyme, salt, pepper, stewed tomatoes and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
Step 5: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 1.5 hours, or until beef is tender. Use a spoon to break stewed tomatoes into smaller pieces. Discard bay leaves. Stir in vinegar. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve. Serve on its own or over mashed potatoes.
Storage
Beef stew can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 6 months.
Simple Hearty Beef Stew
Description
This hearty beef stew is easy and delicious. Packed full of protein and veggies, you can feel good about filling up on this comfort food. This stew makes the perfect winter meal, paired with fresh bread or dinner rolls.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add beef and cook 5 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove from pan.
-
Add carrots, onion, celery and garlic. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Return beef to pan.
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Stir in water, red wine, dried thyme, salt, pepper, stewed tomatoes and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
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Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 1.5 hours, or until beef is tender. Use a spoon to break stewed tomatoes into smaller pieces. Discard bay leaves. Stir in vinegar. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 358kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.3g24%
- Saturated Fat 8.5g43%
- Cholesterol 79mg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 20.1g7%
- Dietary Fiber 5.7g23%
- Protein 32.2g65%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
*Serving size is approximately 1 1/3 cups.
**If you like mushrooms, approximately 6 ounces can be added to this recipe with the other vegetables. My family does not like mushrooms so I leave these out but they're a tasty addition.