Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This creamy beef recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s one of those delicious dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This creamy beef recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights. Let's get started!
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
This recipe is designed to be straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps for a perfect creamy beef every time.
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Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This browning step adds depth of flavor to the dish. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your creamy beef.
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Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
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Simmer to Perfection: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef becomes.
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Add Vegetables: About 30 minutes before the beef is done, add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. This allows them to soften while the beef finishes cooking.
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Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Cooking Tips for Creamy Beef Success
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef stew meat.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the beef; work in batches for even browning.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- For a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water at the end.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or peas.
Variations to Delight Your Taste Buds
- Spicy Beef: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Medley: Include a cup of sliced mushrooms along with the carrots and celery for an earthy flavor boost.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, marjoram, or oregano.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This creamy beef recipe is a simple yet satisfying healthy meal that's perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!