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Best Ever Beef Stew

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Best Ever Beef Stew

A hearty, flavorful classic that’s perfect for chilly nights! This stew features tender beef, earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and creamy potatoes all simmered to perfection.

Yield:

8 servings

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds top sirloin steak, diced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium sweet onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 2 1/2 cups beef stock
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Equipment

  • Large stockpot or Dutch oven

Instructions

1️⃣ Sear the Beef:

  • Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Season diced steak with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  • Working in batches, add the steak to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the beef and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook Aromatics:

  • Reduce heat to medium and add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (about 3-4 minutes).

3️⃣ Add Garlic and Mushrooms:

  • Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking until tender and browned (about 3-4 minutes).

4️⃣ Create a Flavor Base:

  • Whisk in flour and tomato paste, stirring until lightly browned (about 1 minute).
  • Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom for added flavor.

5️⃣ Simmer the Stew:

  • Stir in beef stock, thyme, bay leaves, and the reserved beef.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the beef is very tender.

6️⃣ Add Potatoes:

  • Stir in the diced potato and continue simmering for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the stew has thickened.
  • Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.

7️⃣ Final Touches:

  • Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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8️⃣ Serve:

  • Serve the beef stew warm, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

  1. Searing Matters: Browning the beef locks in flavor and creates a richer stew base.
  2. Wine Substitute: If you don’t have red wine, substitute with extra beef stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
  3. Vegetable Options: Add parsnips or turnips for a twist, or frozen peas for a pop of color.
  4. Thicker Stew: For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

    FAQs
    1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
    Yes, you can use chuck roast, stew meat, or even short ribs. Chuck roast is particularly tender when slow-cooked, making it a popular choice for stews.
    2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
    Absolutely! After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Add the potatoes halfway through the cooking time for best texture.
    3. What can I serve with beef stew?
    Beef stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad.
    4. Can I freeze leftover stew?
    Yes! Let the stew cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
    5. Can I make this gluten-free?
    Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch (use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every 2 tablespoons of flour).
    6. Can I skip the wine?
    Yes, the wine adds depth, but you can skip it and use an equal amount of beef stock or add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.

    Enjoy this comforting, hearty Best Ever Beef Stew for cozy family dinners or meal prepping during the colder months!