Earthy Beef Stew with Bread (Printable)

Rich beef stew simmered with vegetables served alongside crusty homemade bread for a cozy meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef Stew

01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
06 - 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
07 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
08 - 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, quartered
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 cup dry red wine
11 - 4 cups beef broth
12 - 2 bay leaves
13 - 1 tsp dried thyme
14 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
15 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
17 - ½ tsp black pepper
18 - 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
19 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
20 - 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
21 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

→ Crusty Homemade Bread

22 - 3½ cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
23 - 2 tsp kosher salt
24 - 1 tsp instant yeast
25 - 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

# How To Make It:

01 - Mix bread flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add warm water and stir until sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until doubled in size.
02 - Pat beef dry and heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove browned beef and set aside.
03 - In the same pot, add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic, carrots, parsnips, celery, and mushrooms; continue sautéing for 5 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Return beef to pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
06 - Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
07 - Stir in potatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until beef and vegetables are tender.
08 - If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
09 - About 45 minutes before serving, preheat oven to 450°F. Place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with lid inside to heat for 30 minutes.
10 - Turn dough onto floured surface, shape into a round loaf, and place on parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
11 - Carefully remove hot pot from oven. Lift dough with parchment and place inside. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake 10 to 15 minutes more until golden crust forms.
12 - Let bread cool slightly. Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with warm bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Hearty and filling
  • Comes with crusty homemade bread
02 -
  • Substitute sweet potatoes or turnips for parsnips for a twist
  • Check Worcestershire sauce for anchovies if allergic to fish
03 -
  • Pat the beef cubes dry before browning to get a better sear
  • Allow the dough to fully double in size for the best bread texture
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