Hearty Baked Beef Stew

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty stew on a chilly day, and this Baked Beef Stew is a comforting classic that delivers rich, savory flavors with every bite. Slow-cooked to perfection in the oven, the beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the flavors of the vegetables and herbs. The stew is baked with a thick, flavorful broth made from a combination of beef stock, tomato paste, and a touch of red wine, which adds depth and richness to the dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this stew is best served with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Brown the Beef: In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and mushrooms, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly coated. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Add the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bake the Stew: Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the pot from the oven, and stir in the flour. Place the pot back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
7. Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the stew hot with a side of crusty bread.

Enjoy this Hearty Baked Beef Stew as a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out!