Beef is a versatile and delicious meat that can be used in a variety of diss, from stews and roasts to burgers and tacos. Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that warms you up from the inside out. It’s also a dish that is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, beef stew is a dish that will always impress.
To make beef stew, you’ll need a few key ingredients and tools. The ingredients include beef chuck, onions, garlic, beef broth, red wine, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, all-purpose flour, butter, and parsley. The tools you’ll need include a large Dutch oven, a knife, a cutting board, and a small bowl.
Cooking the Beef Stew
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to cook the beef stew. Follow these simple steps to make the perfect comfort food dish.
- Heat the Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and wait until it shimmers.
- Add the beef and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Cook the beef until it is browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.
- Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
- Add the onions and garlic to the pot and cook them until they are translucent.
- Add the red wine to the pot and deglaze it by scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
- Add the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot and stir until the tomato paste is dissolved.
- Return the beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot and stir everything together.
- Bring the stew to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
The Serving and Storing
Once you cook the beef stew, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. Follow these simple steps to serve the beef stew.
- Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the pot.
- Ladle the beef stew into bowls and serve hot.
- Garnish the beef stew with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
- Serve the beef stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld together, making the stew even more delicious the next day.
Beef Stew Recipes from Africa
Here, we will explore 10 different beef recipes from around the world; 5 from Africa, each with its own unique flavor profile and cooking method. We have also included the names of the recipe owners, who have generously shared their culinary creations with us.
- Nigerian Beef Stew – Recipe by Sisi Yemmie
Sisi Yemmie is a Nigerian food blogger who has shared her recipe for a rich and flavorful Nigerian beef stew. The dish features tender beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, and aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, and thyme.
- Ethiopian Beef Stew – Recipe by Immaculate Bites
Immaculate Bites is an Ethiopian food blogger who has shared her recipe for a spicy and fragrant Ethiopian beef stew. The dish features tender beef cooked in a berbere spice blend made from chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and other aromatic spices.
- South African Beef Potjiekos – Recipe by Jan Braai
Jan Braai is a South African chef and television personality who has shared his recipe for a traditional South African beef potjiekos. The dish features tender beef stewed with vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes, along with aromatic spices like coriander and cumin.
- Ghanaian Peanut Butter Beef Stew – Recipe by Akis Kitchen
Akis Kitchen is a Ghanaian food blogger who has shared his recipe for a creamy and flavorful peanut butter beef stew. The dish features tender beef cooked in a sauce made from peanut butter, tomatoes, and aromatic spices like cumin and coriander.
- Kenyan Beef Stew – Recipe by Kaluhi’s Kitchen
Kaluhi’s Kitchen is a Kenyan food blogger who has shared her recipe for a hearty and comforting Kenyan beef stew. The dish features tender beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
Beef Stew Recipe From Various Countries
- Korean Beef Bulgogi – Recipe by Maangchi
Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish made with marinated beef, typically grilled or stir-fried. Maangchi’s recipe is simple yet flavorful, using a marinade of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Then, cook the beef over high heat until caramelized and tender.
- Argentinian Grilled Flank Steak – Recipe by Francis Mallmann
Francis Mallmann, a renowned Argentinian chef known for his open-fire cooking techniques. His grilled flank steak recipe is a prime example of this, using wood-fired grills and a simple seasoning of salt and pepper to let the natural flavors of the beef shine through.
- Thai Beef Salad – Recipe by Pailin Chongchitnant
Pailin Chongchitnant is a Thai-Canadian chef and cookbook author who has shared her recipe for a refreshing and zesty Thai beef salad. The salad features thinly sliced beef tossed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste.
- Italian Beef Ragu – Recipe by Lidia Bastianich
Lidia Bastianich is an Italian-American chef and cookbook author who has shared her recipe for a rich and savory beef ragu. The dish features tender beef braised in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. One can serve the ragu over pasta or polenta.
- Moroccan Beef Tagine – Recipe by Nargisse Benkabbou
Nargisse Benkabbou is a Moroccan chef and cookbook author who has shared her recipe for a fragrant and spicy beef tagine. The dish features tender beef stewed with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander, along with dried fruits and preserved lemons for a sweet and tangy contrast.