Simple Beef Stew

Simple Beef Stew

The first time I made beef stew I was 17 and I caught sight of a recipe in a magazine; Seventeen, to be exact.     I followed the recipe to the letter and was pleased with the results. Now that I'm older and have studied and experienced  food quite a bit more I still love a simple beef stew, with a little extra flavor thrown in.

This is the recipe I use most often, usually minus the peas and mushrooms because the kids detest both, but when I make it for me, they're throw in. Herbs can be to your liking, but I never make meat stews without fresh thyme. I just really like the flavor and I always have some on-hand.

Simple Beef Stew
Printable Recipe
Serves 8
Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into 1" cubes
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup red wine or dark beer
3 cups beef stock
2 cloves garlic - minced
4 ounces tomato paste
1 medium onion cut into eighths and separated
2 pounds small new potatoes - cut in half if larger than a golf ball
1 pound peeled baby carrots
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
8 ounces fresh baby button mushrooms
1 - 10 ounce package frozen peas

Directions:


1. Coat beef cubes in 1/4 c flour and shake off excess. Salt and pepper well.
2. Heat oil in a heavy stock or soup pot. Brown meat in oil.
3. Add wine or beer, stock, garlic, tomato paste and onion.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until meat is tender.
5. Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary and mushrooms. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Add peas and cook for 5 minutes. Serve.