Ina Garten Beef Stew Recipe

Ina Garten’s Beef Stew is a rich and hearty dish made with tender, slow-braised beef, root vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth. This classic comfort food is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring that each bite is packed with warmth and depth. The combination of red wine, garlic, and fresh herbs enhances the dish, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering.

What Is Ina Garten Beef Stew?

Ina Garten’s Beef Stew is a slow-braised dish featuring chuck roast that is seared, then simmered in red wine, beef broth, and aromatic vegetables. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, deeply satisfying stew with fork-tender beef and a silky sauce.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Pot Roast
• Ina Garten French Onion Soup
• Ina Garten Lamb Chops in Oven
• Ina Garten Lamb Rack
• Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Beef Stew

• Rich and flavorful broth – A perfect balance of wine, herbs, and aromatics.
• Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef – Slow braising ensures soft, juicy meat.
• One-pot meal – Minimal cleanup with everything cooking in a single pot.
• Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
• Perfect for cold weather – A warm and hearty dish for comfort.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Beef Stew

For the Stew:

• 3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 4 cups beef broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For Thickening (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For Additional Flavor:

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1½ pounds small Yukon Gold potatoes halved
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef

• Preheat the oven – Set to 325°F (165°C).
• Season the beef – Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
• Sear the meat – In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Cook the onions, carrots, and celery – In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
• Add garlic and tomato paste – Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Braising Liquid

• Deglaze with red wine – Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
• Add remaining ingredients – Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef Stew

• Return the beef to the pot – Nestle the browned beef cubes into the braising liquid.
• Cover and roast – Place the lid on the Dutch oven and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the broth has thickened.

Step 5: Add Potatoes and Mushrooms (Optional)

• Add potatoes and mushrooms – After 1½ hours, stir in the potatoes and mushrooms. Continue cooking for the remaining time until they are tender.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

• Make a roux – In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, cooking for 1 minute.
• Stir into the stew – Mix the roux into the stew and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until thickened.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

• Add frozen peas – Stir in peas for 5 minutes before serving for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Remove bay leaves – Discard before serving.
• Serve warm – Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Beef Stew?

• Serve with crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Pair with mashed potatoes – A comforting side for extra richness.
• Enjoy with a fresh green salad – Balances the hearty stew.
• Serve with buttered egg noodles – A great alternative to potatoes.
• Pair with red wine – A Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the dish.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Beef Stew

• Use the right cut of beef – Chuck roast is best because it becomes tender with slow cooking.
• Sear the meat first – Browning the beef enhances the flavor.
• Simmer low and slow – The longer cooking time allows flavors to develop fully.
• Use high-quality red wine – Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Let the stew rest before serving – This helps the flavors meld together.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Beef Stew

• Make it gluten-free – Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
• Add sweet potatoes – A delicious alternative to regular potatoes.
• Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Use beer instead of wine – A dark ale gives a deeper, earthy flavor.
• Add fresh herbs – Try rosemary or parsley for extra fragrance.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Beef Stew

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for longer storage – Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Store sauce separately – Prevents vegetables from becoming mushy when reheated.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Beef Stew

• Oven method – Reheat at 325°F for 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop method – Warm over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
• Microwave for quick reheating – Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

FAQs

Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

What is the best wine for beef stew?

A Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir works best for deep flavor.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, but beef broth gives a richer flavor. If using chicken broth, add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for depth.

How do I thicken the stew without flour?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) for a gluten-free alternative.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, with tender beef, rich broth, and hearty vegetables. Whether served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over-buttered noodles, this dish is perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal. Try it today and enjoy a classic, homemade beef stew with family and friends!

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