Hearty Rustic Beef Stew
As the chill of winter sets in, there's nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty rustic beef stew. This dish combines succulent stewing beef with an array of fresh vegetables, all simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. The savory aroma that fills your kitchen as this stew bakes is an invitation for family and friends to gather around the table. Perfect for those cozy nights, this stew can be made with lean ground beef for a quicker alternative. Pair it with crusty bread or warm rolls to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. It’s not just a meal, it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for creating cherished memories together.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
lean stewing beef
2 lbs (cubed)
flour
1/3 cup (or 1/4 cup cornstarch)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (or 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic)
marjoram leaves
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
canned tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained and cut up)
condensed beef broth
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (none)
potatoes
2 cups (cubed)
celery
1 cup (sliced)
carrots
4 medium (sliced)
onion
1 medium (diced)
bay leaf
1 (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cubed beef and brown it on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3
While the beef is browning, in a small bowl, combine flour, salt, garlic powder, marjoram, and black pepper.
4
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle the flour mixture over the beef and stir well to coat evenly.
5
Add the undrained canned tomatoes and the condensed beef broth to the pot, stirring to combine everything thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, add the cubed potatoes, sliced celery, sliced carrots, diced onion, and the bay leaf. Stir until everything is well mixed.
7
Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
8
Bake for 2 hours, stirring twice during the cooking time, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors are well blended.
9
After baking, carefully remove the bay leaf before serving, and enjoy your hearty stew!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Rustic Beef Stew?
It is a comforting dish that combines succulent stewing beef with fresh vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth, perfect for cold weather.
What cut of beef is recommended for this stew?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean stewing beef, which should be cubed before cooking.
Can I use ground beef instead of stewing beef?
Yes, lean ground beef can be used as a quicker alternative to stewing beef.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This hearty beef stew recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
How long does the stew need to bake?
The stew should bake for a total of 2 hours in the preheated oven.
What type of pot should I use?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for browning the meat and baking the stew.
What kind of oil is used for browning the beef?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to brown the beef.
Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 cup of cornstarch for the 1/3 cup of flour.
What seasonings are used for the beef coating?
The beef is coated in a mixture of flour, salt, garlic powder, marjoram leaves, and black pepper.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes before adding them?
No, the tomatoes should be used undrained and cut up.
What size can of beef broth is required?
The recipe uses one 10.5 ounce can of condensed beef broth.
How many potatoes should I add to the stew?
You should add 2 cups of cubed potatoes.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery should be sliced, totaling 1 cup.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 4 medium carrots, which should be sliced.
How is the onion prepared for this stew?
One medium onion should be diced before being added to the pot.
Is a bay leaf necessary for the recipe?
One bay leaf is used during baking to add flavor, but it must be removed before serving.
When should the bay leaf be removed?
Carefully remove the bay leaf after baking is complete and before you serve the stew.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic for the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Should I stir the stew while it bakes?
Yes, you should stir the stew twice during the 2-hour cooking time.
What are some suggested side dishes for this stew?
It pairs well with crusty bread or warm rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is an oven-baked one-pot meal typically prepared in a Dutch oven.
How do I know the beef is fully cooked?
The beef is ready when it is fork-tender after the 2-hour baking period.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, stews often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
What herbs provide the main flavor?
Marjoram leaves and a bay leaf provide the primary herbal flavors in this rustic stew.
How long does it take to brown the beef?
The cubed beef should be browned on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes.
What size is the can of tomatoes used?
The recipe calls for one 16 ounce can of tomatoes.
When do I add the vegetables?
Add the potatoes, celery, carrots, and onion after the broth and tomato mixture has been brought to a boil.
What makes this stew rustic?
The combination of thick-cut vegetables, cubed beef, and a rich, traditional broth gives it a rustic character.
Can I use this recipe for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a great meal for family and friends to gather around the table.