Go Back
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 bay leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Gather these ingredients to start your cooking adventure. Beef chuck gives the stew a rich flavor. Olive oil is great for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables. Onions and garlic add a nice base, while carrots and potatoes bring sweetness and texture. Beef broth and diced tomatoes create a savory sauce. For seasonings, dried thyme and smoked paprika add depth. Bay leaves bring aromatic notes. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Fresh parsley is the perfect touch for garnish. This mix will create a hearty, comforting dish that captures Bourdain's love for bold flavors. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating three tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. While it heats, season two pounds of beef chuck with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches. This helps avoid overcrowding. Cook the beef until it's brown on all sides. This step creates a nice crust, adding flavor to your stew. When browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate to keep the juices in. Next, lower the heat to medium. In the same pot, add one chopped onion and four minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about three to four minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent and smell fragrant. Then, add four sliced carrots and three diced potatoes. Stir these vegetables for another three to four minutes. This helps soften them and brings out their natural flavors. Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in two cups of beef broth and one cup of diced tomatoes. Add two teaspoons of dried thyme, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and two bay leaves. Stir well to mix everything. Increase the heat until it gently boils. Then, lower the heat to let it simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for one and a half to two hours. Stir occasionally. If it sticks, add more broth to keep it moist. When the beef is tender, taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish. To make a great beef stew, adjusting seasonings is key. Start with salt and pepper to bring out the beef's natural flavors. You can also add more thyme or smoked paprika for depth. Taste the stew while it cooks. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or a dash of paprika. Simmering time is very important. Letting the stew cook slowly helps the flavors blend. Aim for a gentle simmer of 1.5 to 2 hours. This time allows the beef to become tender and the veggies to soften. Stir it occasionally to avoid sticking. If it gets too thick, add more broth. Bourdain loved to mix flavors from around the world. Consider adding soy sauce for a touch of umami. You can even toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for brightness. These small tweaks can make a big difference. Unique ingredients can elevate your stew. Try using red wine instead of beef broth for richness. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweetness. These additions create layers of taste that make the dish special. Experiment with what you have on hand to make it your own! Pro Tips Brown the Beef Properly: Ensure the beef cubes are well-browned to develop a rich flavor base. Avoid overcrowding the pot; brown in batches if necessary. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme works well, consider using fresh thyme for a more vibrant flavor. Add it towards the end of cooking for a fresher taste. Adjust Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add more beef broth or water gradually. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer to thicken. Rest Before Serving: Allow the stew to rest for about 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together for a more delicious dish. {{image_4}} You can make this beef stew even more exciting by adding different flavors. Think about Asian or Mediterranean twists. For an Asian flair, add soy sauce, ginger, or star anise. These ingredients will change the taste and give it a unique touch. For a Mediterranean vibe, try adding olives, capers, or artichokes. These ingredients will bring a bright flavor to your stew. You can also swap beef for lamb if you want that Mediterranean taste. If you need a gluten-free option, just check your broth and any sauces. Many brands offer gluten-free choices. You can also use cornstarch to thicken the stew instead of flour. Are you looking for a vegetarian version? Use mushrooms in place of beef. They add rich flavor and texture. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. This way, everyone can enjoy a hearty stew! To keep your beef stew fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors locked in. Your stew should last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, let the stew cool completely. Then, place it in freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. Your stew can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat your stew, the stovetop is best. Pour stew into a pot over low heat. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave. If you do, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely to avoid spills. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Common mistakes include overheating or not stirring enough. This can cause the stew to dry out. Always check the temperature before serving. It should be steaming hot. Enjoy your flavorful beef stew just like the first time! Anthony Bourdain's cooking style is simple yet bold. He loved to explore flavors from different cultures. His dishes often reflect a respect for fresh ingredients. Bourdain believed in honest cooking that tells a story. He favored comfort food and traditional recipes, often with a twist. His work highlighted the joy of sharing meals with others. In his view, cooking should be fun and adventurous. Yes, you can make this beef stew in a slow cooker! Start by browning the beef in a pan first. This step adds great flavor to the stew. After browning, transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add all the other ingredients, including broth and veggies. Set the slow cooker to low for about 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, set it to high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally and enjoy the rich aroma as it cooks. Beef stew goes well with many side dishes. Here are some great options to try: - Crusty artisan bread for dipping - Garlic bread for a tasty twist - A simple green salad to balance flavors - Mashed potatoes for a cozy touch - Roasted vegetables to add color and taste Each side complements the stew's rich flavors beautifully. This blog post guides you through making a delicious beef stew. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, tips for flavor, and variations to fit your taste. Remember, the right simmer and seasoning make a big difference. Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best results. Whether you prefer traditional or creative twists, this dish can suit any meal. Enjoy the warm flavors and comfort of your homemade beef stew!

Bourdain's Hearty Adventures Beef Stew

A rich and flavorful beef stew perfect for hearty meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • While the oil heats, generously season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the cubes on all sides, ensuring a nice crust forms. Once done, remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate to retain its juices.
  • In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, allowing them to sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and releases its fragrant aroma.
  • Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir the vegetables for an additional 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften, enhancing their flavors.
  • Return the browned beef to the pot, followed by pouring in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, and add the bay leaves. Stir everything together to ensure that all ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to low heat. Cover the pot securely with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the consistency; add more broth if it starts to stick to the bottom.
  • Once the beef is tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed for enhanced flavor.
  • Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves from the stew. Ladle generous portions into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping.
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, hearty