Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
Overview
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this classic Beef Stew recipe, cherished for its simplicity and rich taste. Perfect for winter nights or anytime you crave a wholesome one-dish meal, this stew promises to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and warm your soul.
- Name: Beef Stew
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Description: A beloved recipe from a friend that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
- Recipe Category: Stew
- Keywords: One Dish Meal, Meat, Healthy, Winter, Weeknight, Oven, Beginner Cook, Less than 4 Hours, Easy
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 84
- Calories per Serving: 319.5
- Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat Content: 10.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 96.8mg
- Sodium Content: 1197.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 15.7g
- Fiber Content: 1g
- Sugar Content: 5.4g
- Protein Content: 35g
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 cup red wine (choose a good quality red wine for best flavor)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetables of your choice (e.g., baby carrots, potatoes, peas)
Instructions
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Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cube the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces if it’s not already cubed.
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and gather your vegetables of choice.
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Cooking:
- In an oven-proof casserole dish, combine the cubed beef stew meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, and red wine.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
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First Phase of Cooking:
- Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and cook for 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
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Adding Vegetables:
- After 2 hours, carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven.
- Add your choice of vegetables to the stew. Popular options include baby carrots, quartered potatoes, and frozen peas.
- Stir the vegetables into the stew mixture.
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Final Cooking Phase:
- Cover the casserole dish again and return it to the oven.
- Cook for an additional 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
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Serving:
- Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy the comforting flavors and hearty goodness of this homemade beef stew!
Tips for Success:
- Choosing Meat: Opt for beef stew meat that’s well-marbled and suitable for slow cooking. This ensures tender, flavorful results.
- Wine Selection: Use a red wine that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will infuse into the stew. Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot are excellent choices.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips can also be delicious additions.
- Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
Nutritional Notes:
This beef stew is not only delicious but also provides a balanced nutritional profile. It’s rich in protein, moderate in carbohydrates, and contains beneficial fiber from the vegetables. The fat and sodium content can be adjusted based on personal dietary needs.
Conclusion:
With its ease of preparation and comforting appeal, this Beef Stew recipe is a true winner for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or hosting a gathering, this dish will surely satisfy and impress. Embrace the simplicity and heartiness of homemade cooking with each flavorful bite of this delightful stew.
