Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this delicious beef stew recipe! Packed with rich flavors and easy to make, this stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of tender beef, savory bacon, and earthy mushrooms creates a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this stew simmering away on your stovetop or in the oven in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This stew only gets better with time, making it an ideal dish to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor and richness to the stew.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding depth to the dish.
- Beef stew meat: Can be substituted with beef chuck for a budget-friendly option.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Seasonings that enhance the flavors of the stew.
- All-purpose flour: Used to coat the beef for browning.
- Good dry red wine: Adds complexity and depth to the sauce.
- Mushrooms, carrots, onion, garlic: Classic stew vegetables that add texture and flavor.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the stew and adds a hint of acidity.
- Low sodium beef broth: Provides a rich base for the stew.
- Bay leaves, dried thyme: Herbs that add aromatic notes to the dish.
- Potatoes: Add heartiness and help thicken the stew.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large, oven-proof pot, sauté bacon until golden brown. Remove bacon and set aside.
- Season beef with salt, pepper, and flour. Brown beef in batches in the bacon fat.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, then add mushrooms and simmer.
- Sauté carrots, onion, and garlic in a skillet, then add to the pot.
- Add beef broth, herbs, and potatoes to the pot. Cover and bake in a preheated oven.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, sear the beef in small batches for a nice crust.
- Use a good quality red wine for the best results.
- Allow the stew to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- For a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and chicken broth.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Serve the stew with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This beef stew pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a glass of red wine. Enjoy it on a cozy night in or serve it at your next dinner party for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, gently simmer on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables before adding everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. - Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to develop. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the oven before serving. - Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this beef stew is a recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this stew fits the bill. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
Print
Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
Description
A hearty beef stew recipe packed with tender beef, bacon, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, all cooked in a rich red wine broth.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 oz bacon, chopped into 1/4″ strips
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, to sautee
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, (or beef chuck cut into 1″ pieces)
- 2 1/2 tsp sea salt, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups good dry red wine
Vegetables:
- 1 lb mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2” thick pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
Broth and Seasonings:
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth or beef stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Potatoes:
- 1 lb small potatoes, new potatoes, or fingerling, halved or quartered
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Sauté bacon until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Brown Beef: Season beef, coat with flour, and brown in bacon fat.
- Deglaze Pot: Add wine to deglaze pot, then simmer with mushrooms.
- Sauté Vegetables: Sauté carrots, onion, and garlic, then add tomato paste.
- Combine and Bake: Add broth, seasonings, beef, bacon, and potatoes. Bake covered for 1 hour 45 min.
Notes
- For a healthier stew, skim off excess fat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A