Are you in the mood for a comforting and delicious meal? Look no further than this hearty beef stew recipe. Packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth, this stew is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
4. Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot.
5. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serve this delicious beef stew hot with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!