Noni’s Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or any time you’re craving a satisfying meal. With a cook time of 4 hours and 12 minutes, including 12 minutes of prep time, this recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Featuring a blend of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
To begin crafting this culinary masterpiece, gather your ingredients, including 1 pound of stew meat, 1/4 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 onion, 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of sliced carrots, and 6 small potatoes.
Start by dusting the stew meat with flour, coating each piece evenly. This step helps to thicken the stew as it cooks and adds a delightful texture to the meat. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured meat to the pot, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook and stir the meat until it’s browned on all sides, infusing it with rich flavor and creating a savory foundation for the stew.
Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot, stirring well to combine. These aromatic ingredients will enhance the overall flavor profile of the stew, infusing it with layers of complexity. Pour in the water, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the stew to simmer for 2 to 2-1/2 hours, or until the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew.
As the stew simmers, prepare the carrots and potatoes. Peel and slice the carrots into rounds, and scrub the potatoes clean before cutting them into bite-sized chunks. Once the meat is tender, add the carrots and potatoes to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. If needed, add more water to cover the vegetables.
Continue to cook the stew on low heat, allowing the carrots and potatoes to soften and absorb the delicious flavors of the broth. This final step typically takes about 40 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of your vegetable pieces. Keep an eye on the stew and add more water if necessary to prevent it from becoming too thick.
Once the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded to perfection, your Noni’s Beef Stew is ready to serve! Ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve alongside crusty bread or fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to warm both body and soul.
Each serving of this delectable stew provides approximately 447.7 calories, with 12.4 grams of fat, 3.2 grams of saturated fat, 72.6 milligrams of cholesterol, 804.8 milligrams of sodium, 54.9 grams of carbohydrates, 7.6 grams of fiber, 6.2 grams of sugar, and 31.2 grams of protein. With its balanced nutritional profile and comforting flavors, Noni’s Beef Stew is a wholesome and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness with Noni’s Beef Stew!