Ingredients
Main Ingredients








Instructions
Step 1
Begin by cutting the **beef** into large pieces. Make sure to **season** them with salt. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add the beef pieces, making sure they are not crowded. Sear them until they are **browned** on the outside; this should take a few minutes. This step helps to **lock in the juices**.
Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2
In the same skillet, **add chopped onion** and diced carrot. Sauté them over a medium-low heat until they become soft. Then, add in the **sliced mushrooms** and continue to cook.
Cook until the mushrooms are **tender** while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3
Create a space in the center of the pan, then add a small piece of **butter**. Once the butter melts, sprinkle in the flour and stir well for about a minute to cook off the raw flavor. Next, **mix in the tomato paste** and stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4
Now, pour in the **red wine** and **broth**. Return the browned beef to the pan and decrease the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it **simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours**.
During cooking, be sure to **stir** occasionally to prevent sticking. If you notice that the sauce is reducing too quickly, you can add a small amount of water.
This process will allow the sauce to gradually **thicken** and develop flavor, which is perfectly normal!
Step 5
Once cooked, serve the savory beef stew with **mashed potatoes** and a sprinkle of **fresh herbs** for added flavor. Enjoy your delightful meal that brings warmth and comfort!
Servings
Imagine this: a chilly evening, you’ve just finished making your beef stew, and it’s bubbling away on the stove. Now, how do you serve it? Start by ladling a generous scoop of that savory beef stew into a bowl. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor! 🌿
Pair your stew with fluffy mashed potatoes or a slice of crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. 🥖✨ Imagine gathering around the table with family and friends, diving into warm servings of this delightful dish. Don’t forget a side salad for that fresh crunch! 🥗
If you want to elevate your meal even further, a glass of red wine is the perfect accompaniment to complement those rich flavors. 🍷 So gather your loved ones, create memories, and enjoy every bite of this comforting beef stew!
Equipment
This will ensure even heat distribution while browning the beef, preventing burning. A cast-iron skillet is an excellent choice!
Great for stirring without damaging your cookware. It’s perfect for mixing your ingredients thoroughly.



Ensure you have a sharp knife for easy cutting of the beef and vegetables.


A sturdy pot with a tight-fitting lid will hold in the heat and moisture while simmering your stew.
Variations
If you or your guests have specific dietary needs, don’t worry! Here are some delicious gluten-free and vegan variations you can try. 🌟
For a gluten-free option, simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch when thickening the sauce. Also, make sure to use gluten-free broth for added flavor!
To transform this dish into a vegan masterpiece, use plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils instead of beef. Replace the wine with vegetable broth and add a splash of soy sauce for depth. Don’t forget to throw in some hearty veggies like carrots and potatoes for that comforting essence! 🥕🥔
Faq
- What if my beef isn’t browning properly?
Make sure your skillet is really hot and don’t overcrowd it. If you place too much beef in the pan at once, it will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary!
- How do I know when my stew is cooked perfectly?
You want the beef to be tender enough to fall apart with a fork. This typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours of simmering.
- Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
- What are some good add-ins for the stew?
You can experiment with adding different vegetables such as peas or green beans in the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- How can I thicken my stew if it’s too thin?
If your stew is too thin, you can mix a bit of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew and simmer until thickened.
- What wine should I use for cooking this dish?
A dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works beautifully in this recipe. Avoid sweet wines as they can alter the flavor of the stew.