This Savory Beef and Mushroom Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, packed with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect cozy meal for cooler weather and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice.
📋 Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces 🥩
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
- 1 large onion, diced 🧅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms) 🍄
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped 🥕
- 2 celery stalks, chopped 🌿
- 3 cups beef broth 🍲
- 1 cup red wine (optional, or substitute with more beef broth) 🍷
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste 🍅
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 🌿
- 2 bay leaves 🍃
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) 🌾
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- Sear the beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Cook onions and garlic:
- In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and other vegetables:
- Add the sliced mushrooms, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
- Add liquids and seasonings:
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the beef:
- Return the seared beef to the pot, along with the bay leaves. Bring the stew to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Stew:
- Simmer:
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
- Thicken:
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Serve:
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the bay leaves, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the Savory Beef and Mushroom Stew hot, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
⏱️ Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4-6 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving
This Savory Beef and Mushroom Stew is the perfect comfort food, filled with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s an ideal dish for a cozy night in! 🍲🍄🥕