Old-Fashioned Beef and Vegetable Stew

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once heated, add in your beef chunks and season generously with salt and pepper. Remember, the key to a flavorful stew is a well-seasoned piece of meat.

Once the beef is browned on all sides (usually takes about 7-8 minutes), remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add in your diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until the onions become translucent. This is a great way to utilize the flavors left behind by the beef.

Now, add in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Don't worry about the vegetables getting too mushy, they'll continue to cook as the stew simmers.

Reintroduce the beef back into the pot and stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Bring the stew to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Remember, the longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together and the more tender the beef becomes.

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve with some fresh bread and enjoy this cozy, comforting meal!