After reading numerous recipes and reviews, I settled on this one for my 1st ever stew. Yumm! I added a packaged of onion soup mix to the flour to coat the meat, would add onions at the same time as the meat next time so they cook more. Added 2 carrots in the beginning and no extra carrots or onions at the end. Added 1 cup red wine (mmmm) for 4 total cups of liquid with the beef broth. Also used 5 red potatoes total and added them at the same time as the liquid so they would cook all the way through. I served over egg noodles for a one-dish meal. Was about 90 min total cooking time and so worth it.
Best Ever Beef Stew: A Comforting Classic
Welcome to a culinary journey into the heart of comfort food with our Best Ever Beef Stew recipe. Crafted from a blend of carefully selected ingredients and seasoned with love, this hearty stew promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings, this dish combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory flavors for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients Analysis:
Our recipe begins with 2 pounds of succulent beef stew meat, coated in a flavorful mixture of all-purpose flour and seasoning salt. This step not only adds a delightful crust to the meat but also helps to thicken the stew as it simmers to perfection. The use of olive oil for browning the meat adds a rich depth of flavor, while diced onions contribute aromatic sweetness to the dish.
To enhance the savory profile of the stew, we incorporate Worcestershire sauce, water, and beef demi-glace (or Swanson Flavor Boost) into the cooking liquid. This combination infuses the stew with a robust umami essence, complementing the natural richness of the beef and vegetables.
Speaking of vegetables, our recipe features a colorful array of red-skinned potatoes, carrots, and celery, providing both vibrant hues and essential nutrients. These hearty additions not only lend texture and substance to the stew but also contribute to its wholesome appeal.
Cooking Method:
The cooking process is designed for ease and convenience, allowing you to savor the anticipation of a slow-cooked masterpiece. After browning the seasoned beef and sautéing the onions to perfection, everything comes together effortlessly in a slow cooker. This hands-off approach ensures that the flavors meld harmoniously over time, resulting in a dish that is as tender as it is flavorful.
As the stew simmers gently, the tantalizing aroma fills the air, inviting eager anticipation for the feast to come. Eight hours of slow cooking allow the ingredients to meld together, transforming humble components into a symphony of taste and texture.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions:
Before serving, it’s important to remove the bay leaves to prevent any bitterness from imparting into the stew. Once ready, ladle generous portions of the piping hot stew into bowls, allowing guests to marvel at the colorful medley of ingredients. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread or fluffy rice, this Best Ever Beef Stew promises to delight palates and warm hearts with its comforting embrace.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, our Best Ever Beef Stew recipe embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort, inviting you to savor the simple pleasures of good food and good company. With its robust flavors, tender meat, and wholesome ingredients, this stew is a testament to the timeless appeal of classic comfort food. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitude, each spoonful of this nourishing dish is a reminder of life’s simple joys. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker to simmer, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.
BEST EVER BEEF STEW
This recipe has been included in book#246531. This has the hearty, old-fashioned taste that I’ve been looking for. The meat cooked up so tender, and the gravy was really delicious! I added a few fresh mushrooms and 1/4 cup of barley I had on hand. The whole family loved it and it is a perfect dinner for a cold evening! Thanks for posting this terrific recipe!
Ingredients:
2 pounds beef stew meat
½ cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon seasoning salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, diced
2 bay leaves
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cups water
2 heaping teaspoons beef demi-glace (or beef Swanson Flavor Boost)
4 medium to large red skinned potatoes, washed & diced
3 large carrots, peeled & sliced
1 stalk celery, diced
DIRECTIONS :
Shake the beef stew meat in a resealable plastic bag with the flour & seasoning salt until evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a skillet; add the floured stew meat to the pan & brown on all sides. Remove using a slotted spoon or tongs & place into the bottom of a slow cooker. Season with pepper.
Saute the diced onion in the same hot skillet for 2 minutes. Don’t worry about cleaning it out in between – that’s added flavor! Transfer the onions into the slow cooker as well. Pour the Worcestershire sauce, water, & beef demi glace (or Swanson Flavor Boost) into the skillet and whisk until mixed, making sure you scrape up any browned bits in the bottom of the pan. Turn off the heat & set aside.
Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, & bay leaves to the slowcooker. Now, pour the broth/Worcestershire mixture in the crockpot as well. Cover; cook on low for 8 hours. Remove the bay leaves before serving