Savor the Flavor: Hearty Beef Short Rib Stew Recipe
As the weather turns cooler, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of hearty stew. Today, we invite you to join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the rich and flavorful world of Beef Short Rib Stew. This comforting dish is a celebration of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth, all simmered together to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to warm you up on a chilly evening, this Beef Short Rib Stew is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients:
- Approximately 12 beef short ribs
- Bacon grease (for cooking)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 medium red, yellow, and green pepper, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 5 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 sprig thyme or rosemary
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Flour (for thickening)
- Red wine (optional)
- Carrots, chopped
- Potatoes, halved or quartered
- Frozen peas
Instructions:
- Prepare the Short Ribs: Season the beef short ribs generously with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat bacon grease over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides until deeply caramelized. Remove the ribs from the pot and set aside.
- Saute Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion, peppers, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a splash of red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer: Return the browned short ribs to the pot. Add beef broth, water, thyme or rosemary sprig, minced garlic, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped carrots and halved or quartered potatoes. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are fork-tender, about 30-45 minutes.
- Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, mix flour with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew to thicken the broth to your desired consistency.
- Add Peas: Just before serving, stir in frozen peas and allow them to heat through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Beef Short Rib Stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve piping hot with crusty bread or fluffy rice.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Slow Cooker Method: For added convenience, you can prepare this stew in a slow cooker. Simply follow steps 1-4, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Extra Flavor: Enhance the depth of flavor in the stew by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of tomato paste along with the broth.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, omit the beef short ribs and use a combination of hearty mushrooms, such as portobello or cremini, as the base of the stew.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: To make this stew keto-friendly, skip the potatoes and flour thickener. Instead, add low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower florets or turnips. Use xanthan gum or glucomannan powder as a low-carb thickening agent.
- Low-Carb Option: Reduce the amount of carrots and potatoes in the recipe or substitute them with lower-carb alternatives such as cauliflower, broccoli, or radishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use boneless short ribs for this recipe? A: Yes, boneless short ribs can be used instead of bone-in. However, bone-in short ribs add extra flavor to the stew.
Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time? A: Yes, this stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze leftover stew? A: Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
In conclusion, our Beef Short Rib Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply craving a warm and satisfying meal, this stew is sure to impress. With its tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich broth, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a bowl of homemade goodness that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.