Hearty Homemade Stew: A Bowl of Childhood Comfort

by Happy Fat Girl

2025-01-28 1 Likes



Introduction

Growing up, nothing felt more like home than the smell of a hearty stew simmering on the stove. My mom would always have a big pot going on cold days, and the warmth of that stew brought a sense of comfort that’s hard to beat. It’s funny how one dish can take you right back to those carefree childhood days when the only thing I worried about was which piece of bread I’d use to soak up the last bit of broth. This homemade stew is my way of bringing those cozy vibes into adulthood—packed with tender beef, wholesome veggies, and rich flavors. It’s the perfect dish for when you need a little taste of nostalgia with a healthy twist. So grab a spoon, and let’s dig into this bowl of comfort!

Ingredients List

  • 1 lb beef stew meat (cubed)
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 large carrots (sliced)
  • 3 medium potatoes (cubed)
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 cup celery (chopped)
  • 1 cup green beans (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
  2. Sauté the veggies: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Build the stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors combine.
  4. Add the broth and veggies: Pour in the beef broth and add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
  5. Simmer: Let the stew simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for an extra comforting meal.

Additional Tips & Notes

  • Meat variations: Feel free to use chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version of this stew.
  • Slow cooker option: To make this in a slow cooker, brown the meat and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Thicker stew: For a thicker stew, mash a few pieces of the cooked potato into the broth, or stir in 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water.
  • Freezer-friendly: This stew freezes beautifully! Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat for an easy, comforting meal.

FAQs:

Can I make this stew gluten-free?Yes! Just ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

What other vegetables can I use in this stew?You can add parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.

How do I store leftovers?Leftover stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.


Tags: Homemade beef stew recipe, Comfort food stew, Healthy stew with vegetables, Slow cooker beef stew, Beef stew with potatoes and carrots


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Mama 2025-01-24
Omg this looks so good