The hardest part about making this wonderful old fashioned beef stew is waiting for it to cook because preparation is just so quick and easy. That being said this is a great recipe and because I know how much my large sons love it I inevitably double up on everything and make a huge pot that so there is plenty of leftovers. I actually think it tastes better the next day too! On another note I have been growing my own herbs this summer and they are excellent substitutions for the dried herbs used in this recipe. The fresh herbs go well with the wine and even if you are not a drinker of wine make sure you buy something decent for a recipe like this as you cannot beat the lovely rich aroma it produces. The end result is fantastic and I am positive you will make this stew more than once. Don’t be lazy and get your bread cooker out and make some fresh bread to serve it with.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp freshly ground pepper
- 2 yellow onions, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 4 carrots, peeled, cut into 1-inch slices
- 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch slices
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut in eighths
- fresh parsley to garnish (optional)
Directions
- On medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil to a large heavy pot (one that has a tight fitting lid).
- When it begins to smoke slightly, add the beef and brown very well. Do in batches if necessary. Add the salt and pepper as the beef browns.
- Once browned, remove the beef with a slotted spoon set aside.
- Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, and add the flour and cook for 2 minutes stirring often.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add wine and deglaze the pan, scraping any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. The flour will start to thicken the wine as it comes to a simmer.
- Simmer wine for 5 minutes, and then add the broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and the beef.
- Bring back to a gentle simmer, cover and cook on very low for about 1 hour.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and celery, and simmer covered for another 30 minutes or until the meat and vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Turn off heat and let sit for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with the fresh parsley if desired.
