THE BEST BEEF STEW

The Best Beef Stew image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 2h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 sprigs flat-leaf parsley
4 sprigs thyme
1 sprig rosemary
2 fresh bay leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, chopped
7 medium carrots (about 12 ounces), peeled, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
3 large stalks celery, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, halved
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chopped flat-leaf parsley, for serving

Steps:

Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 275 degrees F. Tie the parsley, thyme, rosemary and bay leaves together with kitchen twine.
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook the beef in a single layer spaced about an inch apart, turning a few times, until the pieces are browned on at least three sides, 8 to 10 minutes per batch. As the beef finishes browning, transfer to a large plate.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and continue to cook until they are brightly colored and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Stir in the wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot, and cook until it evaporates, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle the vegetables with the flour, stir to evenly coat them and cook for 1 minute. Add the broth, potatoes, tomatoes and the reserved beef with any accumulated juices. Season with 3 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the herb bundle and bring the stew to a simmer.
Cover the pot and then transfer to the oven. Bake until the beef is tender but still holds its shape, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Let the stew cool for 30 minutes before serving. Discard the herb bundle and serve topped with chopped parsley.