Are you craving a comforting, flavourful meal that's both easy to make and packed with goodness? Look no further! This beef and mushroom stew is the perfect answer for a cozy night in or a satisfying weeknight dinner. It's a delicious dish that's surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. This homemade cooking masterpiece is guaranteed to become a family favourite!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 lb baby bella mushrooms, sliced (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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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 generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
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Add mushrooms and tomato paste: Add the sliced mushrooms and tomato paste to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms begin to release their liquid.
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Deglaze the pot (optional): If using red wine, pour it into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced.
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Combine everything: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
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Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk the flour with a little cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering stew, stirring constantly, until thickened to your desired consistency.
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Season and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This delicious stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef and Mushroom Stew:
- Use good quality beef: The flavour of your stew will depend heavily on the quality of the beef. Look for stew meat that's well-marbled for maximum tenderness.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: When searing the beef, work in batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Low and slow is key: Simmering the stew on low heat for a longer time allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become incredibly tender.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your preference. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add extra depth.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, turnips, or parsnips. Add them during the last hour of cooking.
- Spice it up: For a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier stew.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and serving size. Generally, this recipe is a good source of protein and iron, and provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It's also relatively low in carbohydrates.
This hearty beef and mushroom stew is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and savour the comfort of a truly satisfying meal. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes.