Southwestern Beef Stew: A Hearty, Flavorful Delight 🌶️🍲
Introduction
Discover the rich and savory flavors of our Southwestern Beef Stew, a recipe originally featured in Bon Appetit (December 1986). This delectable stew, with its robust combination of vegetables and tender beef, only gets better with time, making it a perfect dish to prepare ahead and enjoy the next day. Pair it with warm, golden cornbread for a truly comforting meal. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that will have your kitchen filled with enticing aromas and your taste buds dancing with delight! 🌟
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 cups tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup celery ribs, chopped
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried sage
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 487 kcal
- Fat Content: 33.4 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10.6 g
- Cholesterol Content: 78.2 mg
- Sodium Content: 151.3 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 23.3 g
- Fiber Content: 6.7 g
- Sugar Content: 12.9 g
- Protein Content: 26.6 g
Preparation Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 3 hours |
| Total Time | 3 hours 20 minutes |
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This will create a luscious base for your stew, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the beef, 1 large chopped onion, and 1 minced garlic clove to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it develops the rich, hearty flavor that will define your stew.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Mix in the remaining ingredients: 3 cups of chopped tomatoes, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup of chopped celery ribs, 4 medium sliced carrots, 3 chopped red bell peppers, and 1 sliced zucchini. Stir to combine all the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the stew.
Step 4: Season the Stew
Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried sage. These herbs will infuse the stew with an aromatic essence that complements the hearty ingredients.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to develop fully. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and meld the flavors into a cohesive, mouth-watering dish.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Once the stew is ready, you can serve it immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Alternatively, allow it to cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Reheat before serving to let the flavors deepen even further.
Tips for Success
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables before you start cooking to streamline the process and ensure everything goes smoothly.
- Low and Slow: The key to a tender, flavorful stew is low heat and a long simmering time. Don’t rush this step!
- Leftover Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve your Southwestern Beef Stew with a side of freshly baked cornbread or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up the delicious broth. For a complete meal, add a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors of the stew. 🍞🥗
Enjoy this hearty and healthy stew that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep for the week ahead. Happy cooking! 😋👩🍳
For more delectable recipes like this, visit us at Love With Recipes. 🌟
