Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Beef stew is one of those dishes that evokes family memories and transports us to times when a home-cooked meal was the center of gatherings and conversations.

This dish, full of flavor and nutrients, is ideal for those cold days when we need something comforting and easy to prepare.

Today I’ll present a quick and easy version of this classic, perfect for those who are short on time but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Beef stew has its roots in European cuisine, especially in countries like France and Spain, where traditional versions such as “boeuf bourguignon” and “estofado de ternera” are prepared.

In Latin America, each country has its own variation, adapting the ingredients to what is locally available.

This dish is characterized by its slow cooking, which allows the meat to absorb all the flavors of the spices and vegetables, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.

Although it is traditionally simmered for several hours, today I will show you how to prepare a version that maintains the flavor and texture in less time.

Beef Stew Recipe

This beef stew recipe is simplified by using a pressure cooker, which significantly reduces cooking time without sacrificing flavor. The ingredients are basic and readily available, making it an ideal choice for an everyday meal.

Read Also: How to Prevent Apples From Browning?

Preparation Time

This beef stew recipe takes approximately 1 hour in total. This time includes:

1. About 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients
2. 10 minutes to brown the meat and vegetables
3. About 35 minutes of cooking time in the pressure cooker

How to Make Beef Stew Recipe?

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Diced beef (preferably chuck or shank)	700 g
Onion	1
Carrots	2
Ripe tomatoes	2
Garlic cloves	2
Flour	1 tablespoon
Brandy	25 ml
White wine	125 ml
Bay leaves	2
Thyme	1 teaspoon
Freshly chopped parsley	To taste
Salt	To taste
Pepper	To taste
Olive oil	As needed

Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Recipe

STEP 1

• We dry and clean the meat, removing all fat and membranes. Then we season it, adding salt and pepper to taste.
• We put it in a pot or saucepan with a good splash of olive oil, enough to cover the bottom well.
• Once the pan is hot, add half of the beef tacos to sear them. Over medium-high heat, cook the beef for a few minutes on each side. The idea is simply to brown the surface of the beef; we’ll finish cooking it later with the sauce.
• Once the meat tacos are golden brown, remove them to a platter or deep plate and set them aside. Repeat with the remaining meat.

STEP 2

• Prepare a sofrito in the same pot in which the meat was seared.
• Add the finely chopped onion, sliced carrots, and a pinch of salt. Cook over low heat for 2–3 minutes, then add the chopped garlic.
• Continue to sauté everything together over very low heat, stirring occasionally.
• When the vegetables are tender, add the grated tomatoes. Cook with the rest of the vegetables until the liquid has reduced.
• Add the aromatic herbs, a teaspoon of thyme and bay leaves, and mix well.

STEP 3

• Add the meat tacos back in, including all the juice released.
• Pour in the brandy, then the white wine, and cook over high heat until the liquid reduces and the alcohol evaporates.
• Add a tablespoon of flour and sauté everything together for another couple of minutes.

STEP 4

Add the broth depending on the cooking method:

1. Regular pot: add enough stock to generously cover the contents. Cook for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, over low heat, partially covered, stirring occasionally.
2. Pressure cooker: the broth should just cover the meat. Close the cooker and cook for about 20 minutes from when steam begins to escape. Let it rest until the pressure releases.

STEP 5

• Check the thickness and flavor of the sauce
• Once cooked, check the seasoning and the consistency of the sauce. Finally, add freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Video Guide 📽️

---

Tips and Other Preparation Options

We can make a more substantial stew by adding more vegetables or potatoes.

• In a casserole dish, add potatoes 20 minutes before the meat is done
• In a pressure cooker, add potatoes before closing the lid
• White wine and brandy can be replaced with red wine

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Energy	280.6 kcal (1,176 kJ)
Carbohydrates	23.7 g
Protein	25.6 g
Fats	8 g
Saturated fats	2.5 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugars	6 g
Sodium	978.7 mg

---

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

---

Conclusion

This beef stew keeps the traditional preparation while reducing cooking time. It is a comforting dish made with simple ingredients, ideal for everyday meals and colder days.

Save For Later 📌