Welcome to today’s recipe for a comforting and nourishing Hearty Beef Stew. This classic dish is perfect for a cozy evening or a family dinner, featuring tender beef chunks simmered with vegetables and flavorful herbs. With a rich, savory broth and a medley of hearty ingredients, this stew is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. Follow this guide to create a delicious and satisfying meal that will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound cubed beef stew meat, trimmed
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can low fat, low sodium beef broth
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 ounces button mushrooms, quartered
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed
Making It Step by Step
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed beef stew meat to the pot. Sear the meat until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion:
- In the same pot, add the thinly sliced onion. Cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing it to slightly caramelize and deepen in flavor.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine with the tomato paste.
- Add the cubed potatoes, chopped carrots, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir well to incorporate.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Add Mushrooms and Peas:
- Stir in the quartered button mushrooms and thawed green peas.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the peas are heated through.
- Final Adjustments:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprig before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Browning the Beef: Don’t overcrowd the pot while browning the beef. If necessary, do it in batches to ensure a good sear and better flavor development.
- Simmering: Allowing the stew to simmer gently helps to develop deeper flavors and ensures that the beef becomes tender.
- Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot or add a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutritional Facts
- Beef: Provides a good source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins. Opting for lean cuts helps to reduce fat content.
- Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and peas add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the stew, contributing to a balanced meal.
- Mushrooms: Offer additional nutrients and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste and nutrition of the stew.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken or pork, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
2. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
- Absolutely. Follow the same steps but transfer everything to a slow cooker after browning the beef. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
- If fresh rosemary is unavailable, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary as a substitute.
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef Stew is a classic, satisfying meal that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. With tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s a dish that promises both delicious taste and nourishment. Perfect for cooler days or when you need a hearty, home-cooked meal, this stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with family and friends. If you enjoyed this recipe, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with others. Thank you for watching, and happy cooking!