Best Ever Beef Stew 😋🤤
Beef stew is a classic comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe for the Best Ever Beef Stew will become a staple in your kitchen, with tender chunks of beef, rich and flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked vegetables. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
-2 pounds beef stew meat: Choose high-quality beef for the best flavor and tenderness.
-½ cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging the beef, helping to create a rich and thick stew.
-1 tablespoon seasoning salt: Adds flavor to the beef and the overall stew.
-2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the beef and enhancing the flavor.
-½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the stew.
-1 large onion, diced: Onions add sweetness and a savory depth to the stew.
-2 bay leaves: These aromatic leaves infuse the stew with a subtle herbal flavor.
-¼ cup Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor and adds a touch of tanginess.
-2 cups water: Helps create the stew’s base.
-2 heaping teaspoons beef demi-glace (or beef Swanson Flavor Boost): Intensifies the beefy flavor and richness of the stew.
-4 medium to large red-skinned potatoes, washed & diced: These potatoes hold their shape well and add substance to the stew.
-3 large carrots, peeled & sliced: Carrots bring sweetness and color to the dish.
-1 stalk celery, diced: Adds a slight crunch and additional flavor to the stew.
Instructions:
Prep the Beef: Begin by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized chunks if they are not pre-cut. In a large bowl, combine the flour, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Dredge the beef pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. This step helps to create a thick and flavorful stew as the flour will help to thicken the broth during cooking.
Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef on all sides until it is browned, about 4-5 minutes per batch. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and adds a rich flavor to the meat. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onions. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent. As the onions cook, they will start to absorb the flavorful bits left in the pot from the beef. This process helps to build a deeper flavor profile for the stew.
Deglaze the Pot: Once the onions are softened, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any stuck-on bits (fond). These bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to your stew.
Create the Base: Return the seared beef to the pot along with any juices that may have accumulated on the plate. Add the bay leaves, beef demi-glace (or Swanson Flavor Boost), and 2 cups of water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Stew: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add the Vegetables: After the initial hour of simmering, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the vegetables are submerged in the broth. Continue to simmer the stew for another 45 minutes to an hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Check for Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the stew is too thick for your liking, you can add a bit more water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This stew pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew:
Use Marbled Beef: The fat in the beef adds flavor and helps keep the meat tender during the long cooking process.
Brown the Meat Well: Don’t skip the step of searing the beef. It’s essential for developing a rich flavor.
Low and Slow: Stewing is a slow cooking process. Be patient, and allow the beef time to become tender.
Variations:
Red Wine Addition: For an even richer flavor, replace 1 cup of the water with a cup of red wine.
Add Vegetables: Consider adding other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a different flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Enjoy this Best Ever Beef Stew as a comforting meal any time of the year! Its rich, hearty flavors make it a family favorite that you’ll return to again and again.