Best Ever Beef Stew: A Rich and Hearty Comfort Dish
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Add the browned beef back to the pot along with the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add the Potatoes:
After the beef has simmered, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Continue simmering the stew for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Thicken the Stew:
To thicken the stew, whisk 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water or broth to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and let it cook for 5-10 minutes until the broth thickens to your desired consistency.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
VARIATIONS AND TIPS
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Slow Cooker Version: You can easily make this beef stew in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the stew instead of regular flour.
