Hearty Classic Beef Stew
This Hearty Classic Beef Stew is a warm and comforting dish that brings together tender chunks of seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich gravy. Originating from my talented friend’s kitchen, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Featuring a medley of hearty ingredients and aromatic herbs, it's the epitome of home-cooked goodness. Serve this stew with a crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy and create an unforgettable meal. Your loved ones will appreciate the flavors and the time spent around the table enjoying in this delightful dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
2 tablespoons (For browning beef)
Beef stew meat
2 lbs (Cut into cubes)
Onion soup mix (dry)
1 (1 ounce) package
Bay leaves
2
Dried fines herbes
1 tablespoon
Parsley
1 tablespoon (Dried or fresh, chopped)
Garlic cloves
4-5 (Minced)
Red wine
1/2 cup (Optional)
Potatoes
5 (Diced)
Carrots
5 (Diced (small carrots))
Mixed vegetables
1 (10 ounce) can (Drained)
Bistro brown gravy mix
3 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil and brown the beef stew meat on all sides until well caramelized.
2
Reduce the heat and let the juices of the beef reduce by half for concentrated flavor.
3
Stir in the dry onion soup mix and pour in enough water to cover the beef. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4
Add bay leaves, fines herbes, parsley, and finely chopped garlic to the pot, stirring well to combine.
5
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
Once the initial simmering is done, add diced potatoes and small diced carrots to the stew.
7
Continue to simmer for an additional 45 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
8
In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of Bistro brown gravy mix with a little bit of water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew pot and combine thoroughly.
9
Let the stew simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10
Once finished, remove the bay leaves and let the stew stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Classic Beef Stew?
Hearty Classic Beef Stew is a warm, comforting dish that combines tender seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich gravy.
How much beef is required for this stew?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into cubes.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
This stew includes five diced potatoes, five diced small carrots, and a 10-ounce can of mixed vegetables.
How do I brown the beef correctly?
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil and brown the beef on all sides until well caramelized.
What is the secret to the concentrated flavor in this stew?
After browning the beef, reduce the heat and let the juices of the beef reduce by half to concentrate the flavor.
When do I add the dry onion soup mix?
Stir in the onion soup mix after reducing the beef juices and before adding water to cover the meat.
Which herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses two bay leaves, one tablespoon of dried fines herbes, and one tablespoon of parsley.
How much garlic is needed?
Use 4-5 cloves of garlic, finely minced.
Is red wine a necessary ingredient?
Red wine is optional; you can add 1/2 cup for extra depth of flavor.
How long does the beef need to simmer initially?
The beef should simmer covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
When should I add the potatoes and carrots?
Add the diced potatoes and small carrots after the initial 45-60 minute simmer.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
Simmer the potatoes and carrots for an additional 45 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
How is the stew thickened?
The stew is thickened using a slurry made from 3 tablespoons of Bistro brown gravy mix and a small amount of water.
What is the final simmering time after adding the gravy mix?
Let the stew simmer for another 10 minutes after adding the gravy slurry, stirring occasionally.
Should I remove the bay leaves?
Yes, remove the bay leaves once the cooking is finished before serving.
Why should the stew stand before serving?
Letting the stew stand for 5 minutes allows the flavors to settle and balance.
What is the best way to serve this beef stew?
It is best served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious rich gravy.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, you can use either dried or fresh chopped parsley for this recipe.
What type of carrots should I use?
The recipe specifies using 5 small carrots, diced.
Do I need to drain the mixed vegetables?
Yes, ensure the 10-ounce can of mixed vegetables is drained before adding to the pot.
What temperature should I use to brown the meat?
The beef should be browned over medium heat.
How much water should be added to the pot?
Add enough water to just cover the beef after browning and adding the soup mix.
What is the role of the fines herbes?
Fines herbes provide a delicate aromatic herb profile to the stew's base.
Can I make this for a large group?
Yes, the description mentions it is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for family gatherings.
What kind of oil should I use for browning?
Any standard cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil works for browning the beef.
How do I prepare the potatoes?
The 5 potatoes should be diced before being added to the stew.
What does the onion soup mix provide?
It acts as a primary seasoning base, providing salt, onion flavor, and savory depth.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is described as a classic recipe that captures home-cooked goodness.
What is the consistency of the gravy?
The gravy is rich and thick, especially after adding the Bistro brown gravy mix slurry.
Can this recipe be considered comfort food?
Absolutely, it is characterized as a warm and comforting dish ideal for cozy dinners.