Beef Stew

September 23, 2024 • 0 comments

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a beef stew simmering on the stove to bring warmth and satisfaction to your home. Making a hearty beef stew is an effortless way to feed your family, combining tender chunks of beef with a medley of vegetables that cook together in a savoury broth. This simple yet delicious dish requires minimal prep work, allowing the ingredients to meld into a flavorful, nourishing meal with just a bit of patience. Perfect for a busy day, beef stew is a one-pot wonder that provides a nutritious and satisfying dinner, leaving you with more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

(2 lbs) Beef Stew
(2 tbsp) Olive Oil
(1) Large Onion (chopped)
(3) Garlic Cloves (minced)
(2 cups) Mushrooms (cremini or shiitake) (sliced)
(1 cup) Beef Broth
(1 cup) Red Wine (optional)
(1 tsp) Thyme (dried)
(1 tsp) Rosemary (dried)
(1) Bay Leaf
(2 cups) Green Beans (frozen)
(2 tbsp) Butter
(2 tbsp) Almond Flour
(to taste) Salt
(to taste) Black Pepper (ground)

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The key to a flavorful stew is in developing a deep, caramelized crust on the beef. Add the two pounds of beef stew meat into the pot and let it brown for about five minutes, ensuring each piece gets a good sear. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Without cleaning the pot, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, allowing them to absorb the beef’s savoury drippings. Stir regularly and cook until the onion becomes translucent, which takes roughly five minutes. Then, introduce the sliced mushrooms into the mix. Cook these until they’re tender and have released their earthy aroma, about another five minutes.

Step 3: Build the Stew Base

Next, you’ll create the base of the stew by pouring in one cup of beef broth. For an extra layer of depth and complexity, add one cup of red wine if preferred. Sprinkle in a teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary, and drop in a bay leaf. Stir the ingredients together to fully meld the flavours.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Return the browned beef to the pot, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the stew simmer for approximately 2 1/2 hours. This slow-cooking process will allow the beef to become tender and succulent while the flavours continue to develop and intensify.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew

For a thicker, more luxurious texture, make a simple roux by mixing two tablespoons each of butter and almond flour in a small bowl. Stir this roux into the simmering stew and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes. This will ensure your stew has a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Green Beans

As a final touch, add two cups of frozen green beans to the pot. Cook them for about five minutes or until they’re tender and vibrant in colour. This not only adds a healthy dose of greens but also complements the heartiness of the stew. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

This stew is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nourishing option for meal times. To round out the meal, consider serving it with mashed cauliflower or a simple salad on the side. These additions not only complement the stew's rich flavours but also provide a nice balance to the overall dinner spread.

Original recipe by Delish