Craving a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal? This classic beef stew is the perfect comfort food. Packed with tender chunks of beef and flavorful vegetables, it’s the ultimate warming dish for chilly days. Easy to make and even better to savor, this stew is a timeless recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Imagine a bowl filled with succulent, fall-apart beef, tender carrots, and hearty potatoes, all bathed in a rich, savory gravy. That’s exactly what you’ll find in this classic beef stew recipe. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling completely satisfied. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this culinary gem. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food experience.
Serves
4 adults
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
1½ hours
Utensils needed
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Ingredients
- 675g lean stewing beef, diced
- 20ml vegetable oil
- 5 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 low-salt beef stock cube, dissolved in 575ml boiling water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 medium potatoes
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Method
- Brown the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same frying pan, add the chopped carrots and onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the beef and vegetables to a large saucepan. Pour in the beef stock, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Peel and chop the potatoes, and add them to the saucepan.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-1 ½ hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tip: For a thicker stew, you can remove some of the liquid and whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the stew and simmer until thickened.
Nutritional Information for Beef Stew
Disclaimer: The following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. For precise calculations, consider using a nutrition calculator.
Per serving (assuming 4 equal servings):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories
- Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40 grams
- Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams
Note:
- The nutritional content can be significantly influenced by the fat content of the beef and the amount of oil used for browning. Opting for lean beef and reducing the oil can lower the calorie and fat content.
- The addition of potatoes increases the carbohydrate content.
- To enhance the nutritional value, consider adding more vegetables like green beans or peas to the stew.
Plating Ideas for Beef Stew
Classic Approach:
- Bowl: Serve in a deep, earthenware bowl for a rustic look.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Modern Twist:
- Shallow Bowl: Use a shallow bowl to highlight the ingredients.
- Puree: Create a smooth puree of some of the vegetables to drizzle over the stew.
- Microgreens: Add a touch of freshness with microgreens.
Rustic Charm:
- Cast Iron Skillet: Serve directly from the cast iron skillet for a warm, homey feel.
- Herbs: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Dumplings: Serve with homemade dumplings on the side.
Visual Appeal:
- Color Contrast: Consider adding a vibrant color to the plate, such as a sprinkle of paprika or a dollop of mustard.
- Texture Contrast: Add a crispy element like croutons or deep-fried shallots.
- Symmetry: Arrange the ingredients in a visually pleasing manner.
Remember: The key to a great plating is to enhance the flavors and textures of the dish.