Hearty Stewed Beef Recipe

Stewed beef is a popular recipe that has stood the test of time, serving as a hearty and satisfying meal for many families across different cultures.

This classic dish requires minimal effort but yields delicious results. Stewed beef is typically made with tender cuts of beef cooked slowly in a flavorful liquid until the meat becomes fork-tender. The stewing process enhances the flavor of the meat, making it incredibly tasty and perfect for busy evenings or cold winter days when you want to warm up.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) beef chuck steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks of celery, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth or stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for finishing (optional)

Preparation Steps

To start, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes on all sides until they are browned and caramelized. Remove the meat from the pot as it browns.

Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped onions and garlic to the same pot. Cook these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Then, add the carrots and celery; mix well, and cook until they start to soften slightly but are not yet fully cooked.

Return the browned beef cubes back into the pot along with the beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently so that all ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.

Cooking Time & Servings

The total cooking time for this stewed beef recipe is approximately 3 hours, including a slow simmer on the stove top followed by an extended cook in your oven. This meal serves four people generously.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Sear the beef cubes until they are brown and caramelized on all sides.
2. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot; cook until they soften slightly.
3. Return the beef and simmer in a flavorful broth for 1.5 hours on high heat before transferring to your preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
4. Cover and bake in the oven for another 2-2.5 hours until the beef is tender enough that you can easily pull it apart with a fork.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, consider adding some red wine or beer to the broth when cooking.
• To add more depth and texture, consider garnishing your stewed beef with chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
• If you like a bit of heat, incorporate a few sliced fresh hot peppers into this dish for an extra kick!

Serving Suggestions

This hearty stew pairs wonderfully well with steamed vegetables such as green beans or broccoli. It also complements grainy breads and potatoes beautifully.

Enjoy your delicious homemade stewed beef, perfect for a cozy family dinner or packed in a lunchbox for work the next day!

Conclusion

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p>A well-prepared stewed beef can be an excellent addition to any meal. The combination of rich flavor and tender texture makes it both comforting and satisfying. Try this recipe out, and you’ll surely agree with how wonderful it is!