Hearty Homestyle Beef and Vegetable Stew
This comforting Hearty Homestyle Beef and Vegetable Stew is a delightful rendition inspired by the timeless classic from the 1970 'Hard Times Cook Book.' Over the years, this recipe has evolved significantly into a unique and flavorsome dish that’s been affectionately 'Mama'fyed'. Perfect for those chilly evenings, this stew is packed with succulent beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection, creating a medley of rich flavors. It pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or a helping of homemade cornbread. Customize it with your family's favorite vegetables, making it not only delicious but also a great way to introduce new veggies into meals. Gather your loved ones around and indulge in this bowl of wholesome warmth—it's sure to become a family favorite!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean stewing beef
3 lbs (cubed)
large yellow onion
1 (diced)
celery
2 cups (diced, including leaves)
garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
diced tomatoes with juice
28 oz can (undrained)
beef stock
6 cups
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (minced)
bay leaves
4
potatoes
2 lbs (diced, peeled if desired)
carrot
1 cup (diced)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
sugar
1 pinch
Instructions
1
1. Preheat a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Lightly oil it before adding the cubed beef. Brown the beef on all sides, ensuring an even sear.
2
2. Incorporate the diced onion and celery, stirring frequently. Let it cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables begin to soften.
3
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
4
4. Stir in the fresh parsley, bay leaves, undrained diced tomatoes, and beef stock. Gently deglaze the pan by scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
5
5. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 2 hours, or until the meat begins to tenderize.
6
6. Introduce the diced potatoes and carrots, and continue simmering for another 30 minutes or until all vegetables and meat reach desired tenderness.
7
7. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking. For balancing the acidity of the tomatoes, add just a pinch of sugar—a little goes a long way.
8
8. For a thicker consistency, mix a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, then gradually add it to the stew while stirring until your desired thickness is achieved.
9
9. Enhance your stew by adding optional vegetables, such as corn kernels, diced zucchini, shredded cabbage, or peas, when you add the potatoes and carrots.
10
10. Ensure you remove the bay leaves before serving to prevent any unpleasant surprise.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Hearty Homestyle Beef and Vegetable Stew.
What was the original inspiration for this recipe?
It was inspired by a classic from the 1970 'Hard Times Cook Book' and has been 'Mama'fyed' over the years.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What type of beef is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of lean stewing beef, cubed.
Do I need to brown the beef?
Yes, you should brown the cubed beef on all sides in a large stock pot or Dutch oven before adding other ingredients.
What kind of onion should I use?
Use one large yellow onion, diced.
Should I include the celery leaves?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 cups of diced celery, including the leaves.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 3-4 minced garlic cloves.
Do I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, use a 28 oz can of diced tomatoes with the juice, undrained.
How much beef stock is needed?
The recipe requires 6 cups of beef stock.
What fresh herbs are included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of minced fresh parsley.
How many bay leaves are used?
Four bay leaves are used for seasoning.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
You can peel the 2 lbs of potatoes if desired, or leave them unpeeled before dicing.
How long does the beef need to simmer initially?
The beef and liquid mixture should simmer for about 2 hours until the meat begins to tenderize.
When do I add the potatoes and carrots?
Add the diced potatoes and carrots after the initial 2-hour simmer.
How long do the vegetables cook?
The vegetables should simmer for another 30 minutes or until tender.
Why is sugar added to the stew?
A pinch of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How can I make the stew thicker?
Mix a slurry of cornstarch and cold water and gradually add it to the stew while stirring.
What are some optional vegetables I can add?
You can add corn kernels, diced zucchini, shredded cabbage, or peas.
What should I do with the bay leaves before serving?
Ensure you remove the bay leaves before serving to prevent any unpleasant surprises.
What are the best side dishes for this stew?
It pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread.
What heat should I use to brown the beef?
Preheat your pot over medium-high heat for browning the beef.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Gently scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan after adding the tomatoes and stock.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Preheat a large stock pot, lightly oil it, and brown the cubed beef.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be minced and sauteed for one minute to prevent burning.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect 'winter warmer' for chilly evenings.
Can I customize this stew?
Yes, it is a customizable dish where you can add your family's favorite vegetables.
What is the consistency of the stew?
It is a rich, hearty stew that can be thickened to your preference using a cornstarch slurry.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is a convenient one-pot meal made in a stock pot or Dutch oven.
How much carrot is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of diced carrots.