Classic Hearty Beef Stew

Ingredients and Weight:

• Beef Stew Meat: 1.5 kg (3 pounds)
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped
• Potatoes: 3 large, peeled and cubed
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Beef broth or stock: 2 cups
• Tomato paste: 1/2 cup
• Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried or a sprig of fresh
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (slow cooking)

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or slow cooker, brown the beef stew meat over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Pour in the beef broth or stock and bring to a boil.
4. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
6. Add the carrots and potatoes and continue to cook for another 30-60 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Serve hot with your choice of side dish or bread.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 per serving (depending on side dishes)
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Protein: 30-40g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful, with a hearty beef taste that Americans often enjoy.
• Slow-cooked to ensure tenderness and maximum flavor extraction from the meat.
• Vegetables add texture and nutrition to the dish.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was so comforting! The beef was so tender and flavorful."
2. "I love how hearty this stew is. It's perfect for a cold winter night."
3. "This recipe is really easy to follow and the result is delicious."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good quality beef stew meat for best results. Many supermarkets sell specific "beef stew meat" which is perfect for this dish.
• Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or celery if desired.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.