Description
Hearty beef stew promises comfort and warmth with rich, tender meat simmered in robust herbs and vegetables. Rustic flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this classic, soul-satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stewing meat, trimmed and cut into 2–3 inch cubes
Seasoning and Flour:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, peeled and finely diced
- 1 medium onion, cut into quarters
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 whole cloves garlic
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 pound mini red potatoes, peeled and halved
- 8 ounces baby Bella mushrooms, cleaned, stems removed, and caps halved
Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth, with more as needed
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 bunch fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by coating chunks with seasoned flour, ensuring an even, light dusting that will create a delectable caramelized exterior when seared.
- Heat oil in a large pot and methodically brown meat in separate batches, allowing each piece to develop a rich, golden crust without overcrowding the cooking surface.
- Remove browned beef and deglaze the pot with broth, scraping up all the concentrated flavor-packed browned bits clinging to the bottom.
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in butter until aromatic, then incorporate Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste to create a robust flavor foundation.
- Pour in broth and introduce thyme, bay leaves, whole garlic cloves, and additional onion quarters, then simmer gently for approximately 90 minutes to develop deep, complex flavors.
- Introduce root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, then transfer the covered pot to a preheated 300°F oven and roast for roughly one hour until vegetables become tender and meat is meltingly soft.
- Evaluate the stew’s seasoning, adjusting as needed. If the consistency appears thin, whisk a quick cornstarch slurry to thicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Flour power helps create a delectable crust and thickens the stew naturally, giving extra texture and depth to your dish.
- Patience is key when browning beef, working in small batches ensures perfect caramelization and prevents steaming, unlocking maximum flavor potential.
- Scraping those golden bits from the pot introduces intense umami and rich background notes that elevate the entire stew’s complexity.
- Slow cooking transforms tough beef cuts into meltingly tender morsels, breaking down connective tissues and infusing each bite with incredible richness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg