Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Ingredients

For the stew:

• 700 g beef chuck (cut into cubes)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 carrots (sliced)
• 3 potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the beef

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides. This step locks in flavor. Kitchen cooking tools

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

1. Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, cook onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the base

1. Stir in tomato paste, then return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth and mix well.

Step 4: Add vegetables and seasoning

1. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.

Step 5: Simmer slowly

1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.

Step 6: Thicken (optional)

1. Mix flour with a bit of water, stir into stew, and cook for another 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

1. Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 350–450 kcal · Protein: 25–30 g · Fat: 15–20 g · Carbohydrates: 20–30 g · Fiber: 4–6 g · Sodium: 500–700 mg