Recipes Ingredients Meat & Poultry Beef Recipes Beef Stew 3.2 (2,254) 101 Reviews By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 21, 2022 Print Share Share Tweet Pin Email Prep Time: 15 mins Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Servings: 6 Two simple steps is all it takes to make this comforting, classic beef stew recipe. We skip browning the meat and instead use tomato paste and balsamic vinegar to amp up the flavor. This recipe also works well in the slow cooker if you prefer. Ingredients 3 pounds beef chuck, trimmed of visible fat and cut into 1 ½-inch cubes ⅓ cup tomato paste 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Coarse salt and ground pepper 1 pound medium onions (about 2), cut into 1-inch chunks 1 pound small white or red new potatoes (about 6), well scrubbed, halved if large 1 pound carrots, cut into 1 ½-inch lengths 6 garlic cloves, smashed 2 bay leaves Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a Dutch oven (5-quart) with a tight-fitting lid, combine beef, tomato paste, vinegar, and flour; season with salt and pepper. Add onions, potatoes, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil. Cover, transfer to oven, and cook until meat is fork-tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaves and, if desired, season with salt and pepper before serving. Julia Hartbeck Cook's Notes Freeze individual-size servings of your beef stew, and turn leftovers into a great lunch or dinner. Variations Slow-Cooker Variation: Place beef in a 5-quart slow cooker. Distribute tomato paste, vinegar, and flour over beef; season generously with salt and pepper. Add onions, potatoes, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves. Cover slow cooker; cook on high until beef is fork-tender, about 5 hours (or cook on low heat 8 hours). Print