Beef Stew Recipes: 5 Delicious Variations to Try Today

Nothing beats the comforting aroma and hearty flavors of a simmering beef stew on a chilly day. Whether you prefer classic comfort food or crave adventurous flavors from around the world, these five beef stew recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. Let’s dive into the deliciousness:

1. Classic Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cubed
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat until evenly seared. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. Add the carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.
3. Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this comforting classic with crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes.

2. Moroccan Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (180g) dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• Cooked couscous or rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Stir in the spices (cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cloves, cayenne pepper) and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4. Stir in the chopped apricots and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
5. Serve the Moroccan beef stew over cooked couscous or rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

3. Guinness Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 can (14.9 oz) Guinness stout
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Push the vegetables to the side and add the beef cubes to the pot. Brown the beef on all sides.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the Guinness stout, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Remove the bay leaves and serve the Guinness beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with a pint of Guinness and crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

4. Thai Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cubed
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) baby corn
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the red curry paste over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown on all sides. Stir in the coconut milk, beef broth, onion, carrots, bell pepper, and baby corn.
3. Bring the stew to a simmer and cook, covered, for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4. Stir in the fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve the Thai beef stew over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions.

5. Irish Beef and Potato Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, and celery.
3. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Serve the Irish beef and potato stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy this comforting dish with a slice of crusty bread or Irish soda bread.

Conclusion

With these five delicious beef stew recipes, you can elevate your comfort food game and satisfy your cravings for hearty, flavorful meals. Whether you opt for the classic comfort of a traditional beef stew or venture into international flavors with Moroccan, Thai, or Irish-inspired dishes, there’s a stew for every occasion and palate. Experiment with these recipes, customize them to your liking, and enjoy the warmth and comfort they bring to your table.