Creating a savory beef stew involves a series of simple steps. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your stew turns out perfectly every time.

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Trim and Cut the Beef: Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef chuck and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. This ensures the beef cooks evenly and remains tender.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and slice the carrots, peel and chunk the potatoes, and chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking the Stew

3. Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing them on all sides until browned. This step locks in the beef’s flavors. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Deglaze the Pot: Stir in the tomato paste, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This will add depth to your stew’s flavor.
6. Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, sliced carrots, chunked potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
7. Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for approximately 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the all-purpose flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken.
9. Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.