Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com, where we bring you delicious and comforting recipes that warm the soul and satisfy the palate. Today, we are excited to share with you our Hearty Beef Stew recipe—a perfect blend of tender beef, savory bacon, and a medley of vegetables that come together to create a rich, flavorful stew. This dish is ideal for cozy dinners and is sure to become a family favorite. 🍲❤️
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 8 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium onions, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup water (for thickening if needed)
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dutch Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven is heating, take a large Dutch oven and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. -
Brown the Bacon and Beef
Add the chopped bacon to the Dutch oven. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and has released its fat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Next, add the beef cubes to the same pot. Sear the beef on all sides until it is nicely browned. This step is crucial as it develops the deep, rich flavors of the stew. -
Sauté the Onions
Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and begin to soften. The onions will absorb some of the flavors from the beef and bacon, adding even more depth to the stew. -
Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the sliced carrots, diced onions, mushrooms, and fresh parsley. Add the beef broth and tomato paste, ensuring that the tomato paste is thoroughly incorporated into the mixture. Season with salt, fresh ground black pepper, thyme leaves, garlic powder, and a bay leaf. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. -
Bake the Stew
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 1/2 hours. After this initial baking period, uncover the pot and stir the stew. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. The stew is done when the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. -
Adjust Consistency (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by mixing 1/2 cup of water with a tablespoon of cornstarch and stir it into the stew. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes until the stew reaches your desired thickness. -
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hearty beef stew into bowls and serve hot. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes.
Tips:
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the stew along with the beef broth.
- Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Potatoes, parsnips, or celery can be great additions.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 747.5
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 16.1 g
- Cholesterol: 129.3 mg
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Carbohydrates: 51.4 g
- Fiber: 6.6 g
- Sugar: 12.3 g
- Protein: 41 g
Enjoy making this Hearty Beef Stew and sharing it with your loved ones. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes any meal special. Happy cooking from all of us at lovewithrecipes.com! 🍲😊
