Hearty Beef Stew with Warm Cinnamon
Indulge in this rich and comforting Hearty Beef Stew with Warm Cinnamon that melds tender chunks of stewing beef with a medley of fresh vegetables and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. The secret ingredient, cinnamon, gives this traditional recipe a delightful warmth that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you’re simmering it on the stove or letting the flavors develop in a crock pot, this stew promises to be a heartwarming meal on any chilly day. Perfect for family gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and is sure to impress with its bold flavors.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (heated)
stewing beef
2 lbs (cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces)
scallion
1 bunch (sliced thin (about 1 cup))
celery
3 large ribs (chopped fine)
green bell pepper
1 small (chopped fine)
whole tomatoes
1 (2 lb) can (chopped with juice)
prepared tomato sauce
1 cup (none)
beef stock
1 cup (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
bay leaf
1 (none)
rosemary
1/4 teaspoon (crumbled)
thyme
1/8 teaspoon (crumbled)
oregano
1/8 teaspoon (crumbled)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
cayenne
1 pinch (none)
carrots
3 (sliced 1/2 inch thick)
new potatoes
4-6 small (peeled and cut in half)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stewing beef in batches, browning each piece on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a bowl.
2
If desired, pour off excess fat from the pot but leave a tablespoon for flavor.
3
Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the sliced scallions, chopped celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4
Add the chopped tomatoes with their juice, prepared tomato sauce, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, parsley, cinnamon, and your crumbled herbs and spices (bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and cayenne). Mix well.
5
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
6
After 2.5 hours, add the sliced carrots and halved new potatoes. Continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7
For the Crock Pot version: After browning the beef, transfer it to the crock pot. Add all remaining ingredients, stir to combine, and cook on low for 10-12 hours. If the stew appears too dry, add a bit more beef stock or water as needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret ingredient in this Hearty Beef Stew?
The secret ingredient is cinnamon, which provides a delightful warmth that complements the traditional savory flavors.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This beef stew recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of stewing beef, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces.
Can I make this beef stew in a slow cooker or Crock Pot?
Yes, after browning the beef, transfer it to a crock pot with the other ingredients and cook on low for 10-12 hours.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The stew contains scallions, celery, green bell pepper, chopped tomatoes, carrots, and new potatoes.
How long does the stovetop version take to cook?
The total simmering time on the stove is approximately 3 hours (2.5 hours for the meat followed by 30 minutes with the vegetables).
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 4-6 small new potatoes that are peeled and cut in half.
How thick should the carrots be sliced?
The carrots should be sliced approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What spices and herbs are used for seasoning?
Seasonings include bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Is there sugar in this beef stew?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to add a touch of sweetness.
What should I do if the Crock Pot version appears too dry?
If the stew is too dry in the slow cooker, you can add a bit more beef stock or water as needed.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What type of oil is used for browning the meat?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many scallions are needed?
You will need 1 bunch of scallions, sliced thin to make about 1 cup.
What kind of tomatoes should I buy?
Use one 2 lb can of whole tomatoes and chop them, making sure to include their juice.
When should I add the carrots and potatoes?
Add the carrots and potatoes after the meat has simmered for 2.5 hours, then cook for 30 more minutes.
Is the stew spicy?
The stew contains a pinch of cayenne, which provides a very mild kick, but it is primarily hearty and warm rather than spicy.
How much beef stock is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of beef stock.
Why is browning the beef in batches important?
Browning in batches ensures the meat sears properly and develops flavor rather than steaming in the pot.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large Dutch oven or a heavy pot is recommended for the stovetop version.
What amount of celery is needed?
Use 3 large ribs of celery, chopped fine.
How much Worcestershire sauce is in the stew?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Does the recipe call for fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe uses finely chopped fresh parsley and crumbled dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
Should I keep the fat in the pot after browning the beef?
You can pour off excess fat, but it is recommended to leave about one tablespoon for flavor.
What size should the bell pepper be?
The recipe calls for 1 small green bell pepper, chopped fine.
How much tomato sauce is added?
The recipe uses 1 cup of prepared tomato sauce.
How do I prepare the rosemary, thyme, and oregano?
These herbs should be crumbled before adding them to the stew.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Yes, the description highlights it as a heartwarming meal perfect for chilly days.
How much rosemary is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of crumbled rosemary.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The 1 tablespoon of parsley should be finely chopped.