Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's bursting with flavor? Look no further than this delicious Southern Beef Stew recipe! This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty weeknight dinner. It's a classic for a reason – the tender beef, the rich gravy, and the medley of vegetables combine to create a truly satisfying and delicious dish. Get ready to experience the best of Southern home cooking with this homemade masterpiece. This healthy meal is also surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor in your stew. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Making the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the stew.
Step 4: Combining Ingredients
Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, 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 and flavorful it becomes.
Step 5: Adding the Vegetables
Stir in the frozen peas and corn during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. This prevents them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Step 6: Serving
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits. Enjoy your delicious homemade Southern Beef Stew!
Cooking Tips for the Best Southern Beef Stew:
- Use a good quality beef stew meat: This will make a significant difference in the final flavor and texture of your stew.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the beef: Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any spice according to your preference.
- For a thicker stew: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Add potatoes: Dice 2-3 potatoes and add them to the stew along with the carrots and celery.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or turnips.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier stew.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: Brown the beef as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Southern Beef Stew recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting classic while also incorporating healthy ingredients. This quick dinner idea is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!