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Hearty Beef Stew Recipe: A Comforting Winter Meal
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Hearty Beef Stew Recipe: A Comforting Winter Meal
Looking for a warm and satisfying meal to enjoy during those chilly winter nights? Look no further than this comforting beef stew recipe. Perfectly tender chunks of beef, along with root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, simmered in a rich broth filled with herbs and spices, create a dish that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.
This hearty beef stew can be served over mashed potatoes or noodles for an extra indulgent treat. With its robust flavors and filling nature, it’s the perfect go-to recipe when you want something both comforting and nutritious. Plus, once you’ve prepared most of the ingredients, the cooking process is relatively hands-off.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours total including prep time, but mainly unattended cooking for around 1 hour.
Servings: This recipe yields about 6 generous portions.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs stew meat (such as chuck or beef short ribs)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 5 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a more robust flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 32 oz beef stock or broth
- Garnish: fresh parsley, sour cream, crusty bread (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat and brown it on all sides until well-seared. Remove from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic cloves and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
Once the onions are soft, return the browned beef back into the pot along with the tomato paste, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, pepper, and a generous amount of beef stock or broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
Next, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the mixture. Make sure they are submerged under the liquid; if necessary, you may need to add more broth for this purpose.
Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 1 hour or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender.
Remove the pot from the oven, then use tongs to transfer the stew ingredients into your slow cooker (if you used an oven) or back onto a stove top if you had one. Let it simmer gently on low heat for another 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
Once done, check the seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, optionally over mashed potatoes or with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Tips & Variations
- Leftovers: Any leftover beef stew makes excellent leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze portions for future meals. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if too thick.
- Variations: For a different taste experience, try replacing beef with lamb shanks for a more robust flavor profile. Or experiment by adding different root vegetables like parsnips or turnips to mix things up!
Nutritional Information
Note that the exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but here is an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 400 calories
- Fat: Around 25g (including saturated fat)
- Sodium: About 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~30g, including fiber of about 7g
- Protein: Approximately 40g
This beef stew recipe is a testament to how simple yet satisfying homemade meals can be. It’s the type of dish that invites everyone at your table, from children who love the sweetness of carrots and potatoes, to adults appreciating the savory richness of beef and spices.
To make this meal even more special, consider pairing it with a side salad or crusty bread. And don't forget a glass of red wine for an authentic experience!