Perfect Beef Stew

Perfect Beef Stew

Meridian Beef stew meat slow-cooked to perfection — rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. The ultimate cold-weather comfort food.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Meridian Beef stew meat, cut in 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

  1. Toss beef in flour, salt, and pepper. Shake off excess.
  2. Heat oil in Dutch oven over high heat. Brown beef in batches — do not crowd the pan. Set aside.
  3. Sauté onion and garlic 3 minutes. Add tomato paste, cook 1 minute.
  4. Deglaze with wine or broth, scraping up browned bits.
  5. Return beef. Add broth, thyme, carrots, and potatoes.
  6. Bring to boil, then reduce to low simmer. Cover and cook 2–2.5 hours until beef is tender.
  7. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Pitmaster Tip

Browning the beef in batches is the most important step — it builds the flavor base of the entire stew. Don’t skip it.

Serving Suggestion

  • Crusty French bread for dipping
  • Simple green salad
  • Cornbread muffins