Ingredients:

For the Beef:

• Beef – 1 kg (any cut, including tough ones like chuck or brisket)
• Onions – 400 g (about 3 medium onions)
• Butter – 100-120 g (about ½ cup)
• Water – 50 ml (about 3½ tbsp)
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Salt – 1½ to 2 tsp
• Black pepper – to taste

For the Mushroom Sauce:

• Mushrooms – 400 g (about 2 cups, sliced)
• Onion – 1 small, chopped
• Garlic – 2-3 cloves, minced
• Olive oil – 1-2 tbsp
• Butter – 1 tbsp
• Parsley and cilantro – 1 small bunch, finely chopped
• Sour cream – 1 tbsp
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Mozzarella – 100 g (about 1 cup, shredded)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Cream (15%) or milk – 80 ml (about ⅓ cup)
• Water – 80 ml (about ⅓ cup)
• Flour – 2-3 tsp
• Nutmeg – a pinch
• Salt and black pepper – to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Slice the Onions: Start by peeling and slicing 400 g of onions thinly.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large pan, melt 100-120 g of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent.
3. Add the Beef: Cut the beef into medium-sized chunks and add them to the pan with the onions. Pour in 50 ml of water and stir. Cover the pan and cook the beef on medium heat for 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Season the Beef: After 60 minutes, add the minced garlic, 1½ to 2 tsp of salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well and continue cooking the beef, covered, for another 90-120 minutes over low heat, until the meat becomes tender and soft.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom Mixture

1. Heat the Pan: While the beef is cooking, heat a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tbsp of olive oil and a small amount of butter.
2. Fry the Mushrooms and Onion: Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden brown. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms turn golden brown. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and a tablespoon of sour cream. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Finish the Mushrooms: Stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro, then remove the mushroom mixture from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Beef and Mushrooms

1. Mix in the Mushrooms: Once the beef is tender, add the mushroom mixture into the beef. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
2. Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle 100 g of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the beef and mushroom mixture. Cover the pan and allow the cheese to melt over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. Heat the Cream and Water: In a small saucepan, combine 80 ml of cream (or milk) and 80 ml of water. Heat gently over medium heat.
2. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2-3 tsp of flour with a bit of water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually stir this slurry into the warm cream mixture to thicken the sauce.
3. Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Combine with Beef: Pour the creamy sauce over the beef and mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Let the entire dish simmer for another 10-12 minutes on low heat.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Serve: Once everything is well-cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat. Garnish with additional parsley or cilantro, if desired.
2. Store Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in a covered bowl in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave.

Cooking Tips:

• Choosing the Beef: Tougher cuts of beef like chuck or brisket work well for this recipe because the long cooking time tenderizes the meat. Make sure to cook the beef slowly over low heat for the best texture.
• Searing for Flavor: Searing the beef over high heat for a few minutes before adding onions and water can add a deep flavor to the dish. If you prefer more browning, you can do this before starting the main cooking process.
• Thickening the Sauce: To avoid lumps in the sauce, make sure to whisk the flour and water mixture well before adding it to the cream. You can also sift the flour to ensure smoothness.
• Adding Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables, consider adding carrots or bell peppers along with the mushrooms for a more complex flavor and texture.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg

This dish is a rich and filling meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella is a mild cheese, but you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or even gruyere for a different flavor.

2. Can I use other types of meat?
You can substitute beef with pork, chicken, or even lamb for a different variation. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different meats may cook faster or slower than beef.

3. How can I make this dish lighter?
To make a lighter version, use low-fat cream or milk instead of full-fat cream, and reduce the amount of butter. You can also increase the amount of vegetables to cut down on the meat portion.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover beef and mushroom mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion:

This Beef with Mushrooms and Mozzarella in a Creamy Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that’s packed with rich flavors. The combination of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and creamy mozzarella creates a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, and the leftovers taste even better the next day! With a few simple ingredients, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors, and don’t forget to pair it with a side of bread, rice, or mashed potatoes to complete the meal!