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Old Fashioned Beef Stew

A Comforting Classic: Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Old Fashioned Beef Stew

There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Old-Fashioned Beef Stew to chase away the chills and fill your belly with warmth and comfort. This winter classic is a delicious and affordable way to warm you up from the inside out, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Winter Comfort Food Favorite:

  • A Timeless Comfort Food Classic: This recipe captures the essence of traditional beef stew, offering a robust and flavorful experience that's guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, comforting food that warms the soul.
  • Effortless Elegance: Don't be intimidated by stews! This recipe comes together with minimal effort, requiring just a handful of steps and minimal prep time. You can have a delicious and hearty meal on the table with minimal fuss.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: This stew is a champion of affordability. Stew meat is a readily available and affordable cut of beef, and the simple ingredients keep the cost down. Stretch your grocery budget further and feed the whole family with this hearty and satisfying meal.
  • Flavor Booster Tip: Want to take your stew to the next level? Consider making it a day ahead! The flavors have a chance to meld and mature, resulting in an even more delicious and complex stew when reheated.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Simplify your weeknight routine! This recipe is a one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup and leaving you with more time to relax and savor the delicious stew.
  • Endless Variations: This recipe provides a delicious base, but feel free to get creative! Customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to create a stew that perfectly suits your taste buds. From adding colorful bell peppers to swapping potatoes for sweet potatoes, the possibilities are endless!
  • Leftover Love: Beef stew is a champion of leftovers. The flavors tend to develop even further the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping. Enjoy a delicious lunch or another comforting dinner without the hassle of cooking again.

Gather Your Ingredients for Winter Stew Bliss:

  • Building the Base:
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil - to brown the beef and add richness to the stew
    • 2 pounds cubed beef stew meat - the heart of the stew
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - thickens the stew and helps create a flavorful sauce
  • Liquid Love:
    • 4 cups water - forms the base of the flavorful broth
    • 2 cups beef broth - adds a deep and savory beef flavor
  • Seasoning Symphony:
    • ½ teaspoon salt - to enhance the overall flavor
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper - adds a touch of warmth
  • Vegetable Medley:
    • 4 cups cubed potatoes - a hearty and classic ingredient in beef stew
    • 2 cups chopped carrots (or turnips, if desired) - adds sweetness and a delightful textural contrast
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - infuses the stew with a woody and herbaceous aroma
    • 1 cup fresh corn kernels - adds pops of sweetness and summery freshness (optional)
    • 1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces - adds a crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color
    • 1 cup chopped turnip (optional) - for a slightly earthy flavor (optional)
    • 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (optional) - adds a touch of acidity and freshness (optional)


Step-by-Step Guide to Winter Stew Bliss:

  1. Brown and Beautiful: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Browning the meat adds richness and depth of flavor to the stew. Once browned, sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat.
  2. Liquid Gold: Pour in the water, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Let the flavors meld and develop as the beef simmers.
  3. Vegetable Symphony: Add the potatoes, carrots (or turnips), and dried rosemary to the pot. Stir to combine and simmer for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. The vegetables will slowly soften and absorb the delicious flavors of the broth.
  4. Fresh Flavor Finish: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the fresh corn kernels and green beans. These more delicate vegetables don't require as much cooking time.
  5. Serve and Savor: Once the stew is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, ladle into bowls and enjoy! Serve with crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the delicious stew juices. Dive into a warm embrace

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