Best Ever Beef Stew

Classic and delicious recipe for the best-ever beef stew:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (about 1 kg) stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pound (about 450g) carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound (about 450g) potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour with salt and black pepper. Toss the beef cubes in the flour mixture until they are well coated.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent.
4. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and add the bay leaves. Return the browned beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.
8. If using, add the frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Discard the bay leaves before serving.

Serve the beef stew hot, perhaps with some crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes. Enjoy your delicious homemade beef stew!