Classic Hearty Beef Stew
Elevate your dining experience with this Classic Hearty Beef Stew recipe, designed to fill your home with warmth and flavor. This rich and sumptuous stew features tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of spices that simmer together to create a dish reminiscent of traditional family gatherings. Perfect for chilly evenings or festive occasions, this hearty stew is sure to become a favorite among your loved ones. Serve it with crusty bread for a truly comforting meal that you can share with friends and family.
8
Servings
275
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef stew meat
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch chunks)
shortening
2 tablespoons (for browning)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
medium onion
1 (sliced thinly)
bay leaf
1 (for flavoring)
salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
sugar
1 teaspoon (to balance flavors)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
carrots
6 (peeled and quartered)
potatoes
6 (peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces)
frozen pearl onions
1 lb (added directly)
frozen peas
2 cups (optional, added at the end)
cold water
1/3 cup (for flour mixture)
flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the shortening over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and sear it on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
3
Return the beef to the pot. Pour in 2 cups of hot water, then add the Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion rings, bay leaf, salt, sugar, paprika, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5
After the simmering time, remove the bay leaf and set it aside. Peel the carrots and cut them into quarters. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
6
Add the carrots, potatoes, and frozen pearl onions to the pot on top of the beef. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Cover and cook for another 30-45 minutes over low to medium heat, or until the vegetables are tender.
7
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup cold water with 3 tablespoons of flour until smooth.
8
Once the vegetables are cooked, push them to one side of the pot. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the liquid on the other side of the pot. Cook while stirring until the stew reaches a bubbly consistency, ensuring everything is well combined.
9
Finally, stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through before serving.
Nutrition Information
25g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Hearty Beef Stew?
It is a rich and sumptuous stew featuring tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of spices simmered together for a comforting meal.
How many servings does this beef stew recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are approximately 275 calories per serving of this stew.
How much beef is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch chunks.
What is used to brown the beef?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of shortening to sear the meat.
How long should I brown the beef?
The beef should be seared on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
What is the protein content of this stew?
Each serving contains 18.75g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The stew includes medium onions, carrots, potatoes, frozen pearl onions, and frozen peas.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces.
How should the carrots be cut?
The carrots should be peeled and quartered.
What seasonings are used for the broth?
The broth is flavored with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaf, salt, sugar, paprika, and black pepper.
How much water is needed for the stew base?
You need 2 cups of hot water for the initial simmering process.
How long does the beef simmer before adding vegetables?
The beef mixture should simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours.
When should the bay leaf be removed?
Remove the bay leaf after the initial 1.5-hour simmer, before adding the vegetables.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
The carrots, potatoes, and pearl onions should cook for 30 to 45 minutes until tender.
How is the stew thickened?
The stew is thickened using a mixture of 1/3 cup cold water and 3 tablespoons of flour.
When are the frozen peas added?
Stir in the frozen peas at the very end and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
One teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the savory flavors of the stew.
What type of cooking vessel should be used?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
How many pearl onions are used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of frozen pearl onions.
What is the purpose of the shortening?
It is used for browning the meat to develop flavor and texture.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 6 carrots.
How many potatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 6 potatoes.
Can the stew be stirred during simmering?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe uses one minced fresh garlic clove.
What should I serve with this stew?
It is best served with crusty bread to soak up the rich gravy.
How do you mix the thickening agent?
Whisk the flour into cold water in a small bowl until smooth before adding it to the pot.
What temperature should the stew simmer at?
The stew should be simmered over low heat to ensure the beef becomes tender.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper are used, plus additional to taste when adding vegetables.