Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's both satisfying and easy to make? Look no further! This hearty beef stew recipe, featuring the convenience of Swanson broth, is perfect for a cozy night in. It's one of those delicious dishes that's perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a weekend dinner party. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying, healthy meal that's packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups Swanson Beef Broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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 adds incredible depth of flavor to 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 Swanson Beef Broth, add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 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.
Step 5: Adding Vegetables: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and corn. Allow them to heat through.
Step 6: Serving: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Stew:
- Cut the beef evenly: Ensure all the beef cubes are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Brown the beef in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of browning.
- Low and slow is key: Simmering the stew gently for a longer period allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become incredibly tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Seasoning is crucial! Taste the stew throughout the cooking process and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
Variations:
- Add potatoes: Dice 2-3 medium potatoes and add them to the stew during the last hour of cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, turnips, or parsnips.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting weekend meal. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth creates a truly satisfying and delicious dish. Enjoy!