Heavenly Beef Stew Recipes

THICK AND HEARTY CLASSIC BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Cut up beef into large, double bite-sized chunks trimming all fat. (*Beef shrinks as it cooks so go much larger than you would think.) Set aside.
• In large mixing bowl, mix well the next 6 (dry) ingredients.
• Add large chunks of beef and toss with a large spoon to coat each piece well until all are evenly coated and all of spice and flour mixture is absorbed and stuck to the meat. (*Shaking in a bag does not work well. A bowl and large spoon works perfectly.) Set aside.
• In large heavy-bottomed, non-stick stock pot that has a lid, add shortening and melt over medium-high heat. Swirl around pan and add meat all at once. Let sit a minute before trying to stir. Then stir now and then to brown pieces on all sides.
• Add next 10 ingredients, scrape yummy bits from bottom of pan, cover, reduce heat until simmering, and simmer for about 45 minutes until meat is tender, stirring only occasionally.
• Add butter, sugar, carrots, potatoes and celery, recover, bring back to a low boil over medium-high, reduce heat to low, and simmer again (covered) for another 30 -35 minutes, or until veggies are tender. Time will depend on how chunky you cut your veggies, so you may want to check yours after 25 minutes for tenderness. *Stir once or twice during simmering to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
• Stir in drained corn and heat through.
• Remove lid and bring up to a simmer without the lid. Mix cornstarch and cold water and stir into pot to thicken. Simmer 1-2 more minutes. Ladle into bowls, and serve with warm buttered biscuits or bread, and hot sauce on the side for those who like to spike it hot!
• *Don't forget to remove the bay leaves before serving....or.... leave one in there and whoever gets it has to do the dishes!
• Leftover stew will very thick after chilling, do not add any liquid! Stew will thin back out after reheating.

CLASSIC, HEARTY BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place beef cubes into a large bowl. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Add flour and paprika and toss until evenly coated.
• Heat oil in an oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until dark brown, about 4 minutes per side. Flip or stir gently with a wooden spoon until all edges are dark brown, 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove beef and set aside.
• Add onions to the beef fat with more salt and pepper; cook and stir until they begin to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and stir until aromatic and soft, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook until it turns brown and begins to caramelize and stick to the bottom of the pan. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up the flavorful browned bits on the bottom. Let the wine reduce until almost dry again, about 3 minutes.
• Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, herbes de Provence, and bay leaves. Add 2 cups beef broth and Worcestershire, stir, and bring to a boil. Add the seared beef cubes back into the stew liquid. Remove from heat and cover the pot.
• Braise in the preheated oven until meat is almost tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven. Add carrots, potatoes, and more beef broth if needed. Cover and return to the oven to braise until meat and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes longer.
• Discard bay leaves. Stir in peas, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Serve hot.