Beef stewed in tomato sauce with potatoes and green vegetables

Beef stewed in tomato sauce with potatoes and green vegetables is a comforting and hearty dish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and makes for a satisfying one-pot meal. Here’s a recipe to guide you through making it:

Ingredients:

For the Stew:

  • 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth (or water)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

  • Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper.
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

  • In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Stew Base:

  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  • Add the dried oregano, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves.

4. Add the Beef and Simmer:

  • Return the browned beef cubes to the pot, along with any accumulated juices.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  • Cover and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.

5. Add Potatoes and Carrots:

  • Add the potato chunks and sliced carrots to the pot.
  • Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

6. Add Green Vegetables:

  • Stir in the green beans and frozen peas (if using).
  • Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and peas are heated through.

7. Adjust Seasoning:

  • Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Remove the bay leaves.

8. Serve:

  • Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

This beef stew is great on its own or served with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal! If you have any other questions or need further adjustments, feel free to ask.