Rich Oven-Baked Beef Stew Recipe
Overview
This rich and hearty beef stew, cooked in the oven, is a perfect choice for cozy winter dinners or even special occasions like dinner parties. It’s a recipe that promises deep, intense flavors and a satisfying meal that’s well worth the extra cooking time.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium onions, quartered
- 3 cups white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp minced fresh garlic
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
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Sautéing: In a Dutch oven or a large, oven-safe pot, combine the chopped onions, bacon, and cubed beef chuck roast. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon and beef are nicely browned, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
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Adding Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, quartered onions, sliced mushrooms, and chopped parsley.
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Incorporating Broth and Seasonings: Add the beef broth, tomato paste, salt, pepper, dried thyme leaves, minced garlic, and bay leaves. Mix everything together thoroughly.
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Baking: Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours.
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Uncovering and Continuing to Cook: After 1 1/2 hours, uncover the Dutch oven and continue baking for an additional 2 1/2 to 3 hours. During this time, stir the stew occasionally. The total baking time ensures that the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Note on Cooking Time: This stew requires a longer cooking time to achieve its best flavors and textures. Plan accordingly and allow for extra time, especially if your vegetables are larger or if you prefer a very tender beef stew.
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Final Touches: Towards the end of cooking, check the tenderness of the beef and adjust seasoning if needed. The stew should be thick and rich in flavor.
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Serving: Once done, serve this delicious beef stew hot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, making it a complete and comforting meal.
Additional Notes
- Recipe Source: This recipe was adapted from a Land O’Lakes cookbook, known for its reliable and comforting dishes.
- Intense Flavor: The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop deeply, resulting in a stew that’s rich and full-bodied.
- Adaptations: Feel free to adjust the seasonings or vegetables to suit your preferences. You can also add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Enjoy preparing and savoring this delightful oven-baked beef stew, perfect for warming up during chilly evenings or impressing guests with its robust flavors and tender beef chunks.