Savory Beef Stew with Creamy Polenta
This comforting Savory Beef Stew with Creamy Polenta is a delightful twist on a classic dish. With tender pieces of beef chuck roast or your choice of lamb or pork, this hearty stew is simmered with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and wine for a depth of flavor that's perfect for chilly nights. The addition of baby carrots, garlic, and fresh herbs elevates the taste, while the polenta offers a rich and creamy texture that complements the stew beautifully. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a family favorite, making every bite a warm embrace. Ideal for gatherings, it serves generous portions, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or dinner parties.
8
Servings
350
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef chuck roast, boneless
2.5 lbs (Trim fat and cut into 1-inch pieces)
Flour
1/4 cup (For coating the meat)
Thyme, dried
1 teaspoon
Basil, dried
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Baby carrots
24-30
Frozen small whole onions
8 ounces
Garlic cloves, minced
6
Fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon (Chopped)
Dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon
Beef broth, low sodium
14 ounces
Water
1 cup
Red wine, dry
1/2 cup
Italian parsley, flat leaf
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Tomato paste
1/4 cup
Milk
3.5 cups
Cornmeal
1 cup
Cold water
1 cup
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Trim the fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into 1-inch pieces.
2
In a large plastic bag, combine flour, dried thyme, basil, salt, and ground pepper. Add the meat pieces in batches and shake to coat them evenly.
3
Place the coated meat into a 3.5 to 4-quart slow cooker. Add the baby carrots, frozen whole onions, minced garlic, and fresh rosemary.
4
Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, water, and dry red wine. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Cover the slow cooker and cook for 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high until the meat is tender and shreddable.
6
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped fresh rosemary, parsley, and tomato paste. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
7
Just prior to serving, prepare the creamy polenta by bringing the milk to a simmer in a saucepan.
8
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, cold water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this mixture to the warm milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
9
Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the polenta thickens.
10
For added richness, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter into the polenta before serving, if desired.
11
Serve the stew hot in bowls, topped with a generous spoonful of creamy polenta.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
31.25g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this Savory Beef Stew?
The recipe primarily uses 2.5 lbs of boneless beef chuck roast, but it can also be made with lamb or pork.
How should the beef be prepared before cooking?
The fat should be trimmed and the meat should be cut into 1-inch pieces before being coated in a seasoned flour mixture.
What is the cooking time for the stew in a slow cooker?
The stew should be cooked for 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high until the meat is tender.
What are the primary herbs used for seasoning the stew?
The recipe uses dried thyme, dried basil, fresh and dried rosemary, and fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley.
What vegetables are included in this beef stew?
The stew features 24-30 baby carrots, 8 ounces of frozen small whole onions, and 6 minced garlic cloves.
Is wine necessary for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry red wine to add depth of flavor, though it is simmered with beef broth and water.
How do you make the polenta creamy?
The polenta is made by simmering milk and slowly adding a mixture of cornmeal, cold water, and salt while stirring constantly.
How long does it take to cook the polenta?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
What can I add to the polenta for extra richness?
You can stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter before serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 generous servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this stew?
There are 22.5g of protein per serving.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 3.5 to 4-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe.
When should the tomato paste be added?
Stir in the tomato paste about 30 minutes before serving to help thicken and flavor the stew.
Do I need to cook the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the meat is coated in flour and placed directly into the slow cooker without prior browning.
Can I use fresh onions instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen small whole onions for convenience, you could substitute with fresh pearl onions.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 15g of fat.
What type of flour is used for coating the meat?
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is used for the coating mixture.
Is the beef broth low sodium?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using 14 ounces of low-sodium beef broth.
How are the carrots prepared?
The recipe uses 24-30 baby carrots added whole to the slow cooker.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 31.25g of carbohydrates.
Can I substitute the beef chuck roast?
Yes, the description suggests lamb or pork as suitable alternatives for the stew.
How do you avoid lumps in the polenta?
Lumps are avoided by mixing the cornmeal with cold water first and then slowly adding it to the warm milk while stirring.
When is the fresh parsley added?
Fresh chopped Italian parsley is stirred into the stew about 30 minutes before serving.
What type of rosemary is used?
The recipe uses both dried rosemary (1/4 teaspoon) and fresh chopped rosemary (1 teaspoon).
Is there a specific way to serve the dish?
Serve the hot beef stew in bowls topped with a generous spoonful of the creamy polenta.
How much milk is needed for the polenta?
The recipe requires 3.5 cups of milk for the polenta base.
What is the purpose of the plastic bag in the instructions?
The plastic bag is used to shake and coat the meat pieces evenly with the flour and herb mixture.
Is salt added to both the stew and the polenta?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used in the flour coating for the meat and another 1/2 teaspoon is used when making the polenta.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, because it serves 8 people and offers a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort dish, it is ideal for gatherings.