Ina Garten’s Ultimate Beef Stew Recipe

Ina Garten’s Ultimate Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings. This recipe brings together simple ingredients and classic techniques to create a stew that’s elegant yet approachable.

What Is Ina Garten’s Ultimate Beef Stew?

This ultimate beef stew is a slow-cooked masterpiece that combines seared beef, a medley of vegetables, and a robust, wine-infused broth. Enhanced with cognac for a touch of sophistication, it’s thickened to perfection with beurre manié, delivering a velvety texture that’s sure to impress. Whether served with crusty bread or buttered noodles, this stew is a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and flavorful: A combination of red wine, cognac, and beef broth creates a deeply savory base.
• Tender and hearty: The slow-cooking process ensures the beef and vegetables are perfectly tender.
• Great for entertaining: This dish is elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for family meals.
• Make-ahead friendly: The flavors deepen over time, making it even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ lbs (1.1 kg) beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup cognac
• 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour mixed with 3 tbsp butter (beurre manié)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef and Base

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic over medium heat until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.

Building the Stew

4. Deglaze the pot: Pour in the red wine and cognac, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in beef broth, thyme, and the seared beef. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer the pot to the oven. Let it cook for 1 ½ hours.

Adding Vegetables and Finishing Touches

6. Add vegetables: Remove the pot from the oven and stir in the carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms. Cover and return to the oven for another 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Thicken the stew: Remove the pot from the oven and place it on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir in the beurre manié, cooking for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
8. Final touch: Add the frozen peas and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this ultimate beef stew with warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a heartier meal, pair it with buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. A simple green salad or steamed green beans makes an excellent side dish.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the beurre manié.
• Low-carb: Swap the potatoes for turnips or cauliflower.
• Vegetarian version: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, beef brisket or boneless short ribs can be substituted for beef chuck.

What can I substitute for cognac?
You can use brandy or simply increase the amount of red wine.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, sear the beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first. Transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Ina Garten’s Ultimate Beef Stew is a timeless recipe that combines rustic flavors with refined cooking techniques. Its hearty ingredients and rich broth make it a perfect choice for a comforting meal. Try this recipe today and let it become a staple in your kitchen. Share your experience with family and friends—they’ll thank you!

Print