Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

For the Beef Stew:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1–2 inch cubes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups beef broth

1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with additional broth)

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp dried rosemary

2 bay leaves

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

3 medium carrots, sliced

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2–3 red chili peppers, sliced (for a touch of spice, optional)

1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1.  Brown the beef:

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
Brown the beef in batches, making sure to sear all sides.
Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

2.  Sauté the vegetables:

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

3.  Simmer the stew:

Return the browned beef to the pot.
Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Bring the stew to a simmer, then cover and cook for 1–1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.

4.  Add the vegetables:

Add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and green bell pepper to the stew.
Stir and cook for an additional 30–40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

5.  Add heat and thicken (optional):

For a touch of spice, stir in the sliced red chili peppers.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry, and stir it into the stew. Let it cook for another 5–10 minutes until thickened.

6.  Serve:

Remove the bay leaves from the stew.
Ladle the stew into shallow ceramic bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

This hearty beef stew is perfect for a comforting meal, with the tender beef, savory broth, and vibrant vegetables all coming together for a satisfying dish