Hearty Beef Stew: A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion
When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty beef stew. This timeless recipe combines tender chunks of beef with savory vegetables and flavorful seasonings, creating a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or hosting a gathering with loved ones, beef stew is sure to satisfy. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make the perfect beef stew from scratch, along with tips, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions to suit different dietary preferences.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Stew Beef (cut in cubes)
- 2 tsp Olive Oil
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 1 fresh clove garlic minced
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp raw sugar
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- 4 large carrots quartered and cut into small pie-shaped pieces
- 3 celery stalks halved and cut into small pieces
- 2 Tbs corn starch
- ¼ cup water
- 1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the stew beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the Stew: Sprinkle the salt, sugar, black pepper, smoked paprika, turmeric, onion powder, and ground cloves over the beef and onions. Stir to combine and coat the meat evenly with the seasonings.
- Simmer the Stew: Pour in the water and Worcestershire sauce, then add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add Vegetables: Once the beef is tender, add the quartered carrots and chopped celery to the pot. Continue to simmer the stew for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
- Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the stew, allowing it to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Finish with Ranch Dressing Mix: Sprinkle the packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix over the stew, stirring to incorporate. This adds a delicious depth of flavor to the stew.
- Serve: Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaves and discard. Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Choosing the Right Beef: For the best results, use stew beef that’s well-marbled and cut into uniform cubes. This ensures that the beef cooks evenly and becomes tender during the simmering process.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Potatoes, peas, parsnips, and mushrooms are all great additions to beef stew.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Beef stew tastes even better when made ahead of time. Prepare the stew up to 24 hours in advance, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: To make this beef stew keto-friendly, omit the cornstarch or use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum. Serve the stew with keto-friendly vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- Low-Carb Option: Reduce the amount of carrots or omit them entirely to lower the carb content of the stew. You can also add more celery and other low-carb vegetables to bulk up the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew? A: While stew beef is traditional for this recipe, you can also use chuck roast, brisket, or even beef shank. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut you choose.
Q: Can I freeze leftover beef stew? A: Yes, beef stew freezes well. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
In conclusion, beef stew is a timeless comfort dish that’s perfect for warming up on cold days or feeding a hungry crowd. With its tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich savory broth, it’s a meal that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a low-carb option, or simply craving a bowl of hearty goodness, this beef stew recipe has you covered. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy the comforting aroma and delicious flavors of homemade beef stew. Your taste buds will thank you!
