Classic beef stew features a hearty blend of ingredients including vegetable oil, dried thyme, rosemary, carrots, celery, shallot/onion, salt, pepper, mushrooms, bay leaves, frozen peas, and mashed potatoes.
Enhance flavor with optional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, red wine, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar.
Prepare the stew by sautéing vegetables, browning meat coated in flour, adding broth, bay leaves, and simmering in the oven until meat is tender. Finish by adding peas.
Cooking methods include slow cooking, pressure cooking, or oven baking for rich and tender results.
Tips for perfect stew: choose the right meat cut, brown meat, use flavorful broth, add enhancers, and season generously.
Tenderize beef by choosing suitable cuts, browning, simmering low and slow, and marinating.
Flavor enhancement tricks include adding red wine, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, spices, and sautéing vegetables.
Variations include classic, vegetable additions, unique spices, and regional twists like French-style bourguignon or Thai-inspired stew.