Hearty Beef Stew with Red Wine and Root Vegetables Recipe

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If you are craving a comforting, soul-warming meal that is rich in flavor and perfect for cozy evenings, this Hearty Beef Stew with Red Wine and Root Vegetables Recipe is an absolute gem. Tender chunks of well-marbled beef slow-cooked in a luscious red wine-infused broth mingle with earthy root vegetables to create a stew that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Every spoonful bursts with depth from caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of balsamic vinegar, making it a beloved classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this stew starts with simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each add a unique layer of texture, flavor, and color. From the marbled beef that becomes meltingly tender, to the vibrant orange carrots and creamy potatoes that soak up the savory broth, every element plays its part perfectly.

• 3 pounds boneless beef chuck: Choose well-marbled meat for the best tenderness and flavor.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the beef’s natural flavors and seasons the stew.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic depth.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
• 2 medium yellow onions: Their sweetness mellows during cooking for a rich base.
• 7 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed: Infuses the dish with robust, fragrant notes.
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy complexity that brightens the stew.
• 1½ tablespoons tomato paste: Deepens color and provides subtle acidity.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew to a perfect, hearty consistency.
• 2 cups dry red wine: The soul of this stew, enriching flavor and tenderizing meat.
• 2 cups beef broth: Gives savory body and rounds out the liquid base.
• 2 cups water: Balances the intensity and ensures enough cooking liquid.
• 1 bay leaf: Imparts a subtle herbal aroma throughout cooking.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy, woodsy undertone.
• 1½ teaspoons sugar: Balances acidity and enhances natural sweetness.
• 4 large carrots: Peeled and cut on the diagonal for beautiful, tender bites.
• 1 pound small white boiling potatoes: Baby Yukons, halved to absorb flavor and provide creamy texture.
• Fresh chopped parsley: Optional garnish for a fresh, green finish.

How to Make Hearty Beef Stew with Red Wine and Root Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and placing the rack in the lower middle position. This setup ensures even heat distribution for slow braising, the key to developing those rich, tender flavors that define this stew.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Pat the beef dry with paper towels to ensure a beautiful sear, then season with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches. This caramelization seals in juices and builds complex, deep flavor, so don’t rush and make sure each piece gets a lovely crust.

Step 3: Develop the Flavor Base

Once the beef is set aside, add onions, garlic, and balsamic vinegar to the pot. Stir frequently as the onions soften and the vinegar deglazes the pan, lifting those delicious caramelized bits off the bottom. Then stir in tomato paste, letting it cook briefly to enhance its brightness and richness.

Step 4: Thicken and Combine

Return the browned beef and any juices back to the pot. Sprinkle flour over everything and stir well to coat the meat. Cooking the flour briefly helps create a silky, thickened sauce that will cling beautifully to every tender morsel in your Hearty Beef Stew with Red Wine and Root Vegetables Recipe.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the red wine, beef broth, and water, followed by bay leaf, thyme, and sugar. Stir thoroughly to combine and to dislodge any flavorful bits clinging to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then get ready for the low and slow braise that transforms this stew from good to unforgettable.

Step 6: Braise in the Oven

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the preheated oven. Let it braise for 2 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef and allows the flavors to meld into a rich, harmonious broth that’s the perfect base for the vegetables.

Step 7: Add the Root Vegetables

After 2 hours, take out the pot and stir in the carrots and potatoes, submerging them into the liquid. Return the stew to the oven, covered, and continue cooking for another hour. This final cooking stage ensures the vegetables become tender without losing their shape or vibrancy, soaking up all that savory goodness.

Step 8: Final Touches and Serve

Remove the bay leaf before tasting the stew and adjusting seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and freshness. For the best experience, make this Hearty Beef Stew with Red Wine and Root Vegetables Recipe a day ahead and let the flavors deepen overnight before reheating to serve.

How to Serve Hearty Beef Stew with Red Wine and Root Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of vibrant color and a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the stew’s richness. Sprinkle it right before serving for that inviting, just-made look. A dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs beautifully with crusty rustic bread to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles are classic companions that complement the hearty texture of the beef and root vegetables nicely. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to all that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew directly from an attractive Dutch oven at the table to encourage communal enjoyment. You can also ladle it into individual mini cast iron skillets or large deep bowls, topping each with fresh herbs, a twist of cracked pepper, or even crispy fried onions for extra texture and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and mingle even more after resting, making the next-day meal even more spectacular.

Freezing

Hearty Beef Stew with Red Wine and Root Vegetables Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place cooled stew in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It stays best within 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Rewarm the stew slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to re-incorporate the luscious sauce. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works too, but slower stovetop methods better preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

While beef chuck is preferred for its marbling and tenderness after long braising, you can use other stew-friendly cuts like brisket or short ribs. Just be sure they are well-marbled to avoid dryness.

What type of red wine is best?

A dry red wine with good body such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or a red Burgundy works beautifully. Avoid overly sweet wines to keep the stew balanced.

Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of the oven?

Yes, after browning and combining ingredients, cover the pot and simmer gently on low heat for about 3 to 3 ½ hours until the beef and vegetables are tender.

Is it necessary to flour the beef?

The flour serves to thicken the stew as it cooks, giving it that rich, clingy texture we all love in a stew. You can use cornstarch as a gluten-free alternative added later if you prefer.

How can I make the stew more flavorful the next day?

Let the stew cool completely and refrigerate overnight. The resting time allows flavors to meld and intensify. Reheat gently before serving and you’ll have a taste that feels even more comforting and layered.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so truly satisfying about a bowl of Hearty Beef Stew with Red Wine and Root Vegetables Recipe simmered to tender perfection and brimming with rich, comforting flavors. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, warms you from the inside out, and makes every chilly day feel like a celebration. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find it becoming one of your cherished go-to dishes that feels like home in every bite.

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