Here’s a detailed guide for the beef stew recipe, including ingredients, construction, variations, and tips:
Ingredients
3 tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
2 ½ pounds Beef, cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes
Kosher Salt and Pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons Smoked Paprika
2 Yellow Onions, medium, diced
1 Fennel Bulb, diced
4 Carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch cubes
1 pound Gold Potatoes, baby Yukon gold, halved or quartered
4-6 cloves Garlic, minced
4 cups Beef Broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
2 Bay Leaves
1 ½ tablespoons Cornstarch
Construction
Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat.
Add half of the beef cubes, season with 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
Transfer to a slow cooker and repeat with the remaining beef.
Sauté Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Sauté the onions and fennel until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
Transfer to the slow cooker.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in carrots, potatoes, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaves.
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
Thicken the Sauce
Combine cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry.
Add to the stew, stirring well.
Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Serve
Remove bay leaves and serve the stew warm with crusty bread or over rice.
Variations
Vegetable Substitutions
Swap fennel for celery or parsnips.
Add green beans or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a pop of color.
Wine Addition
Replace 1 cup of beef broth with red wine for a richer flavor.
Herbs
Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for enhanced aroma.
Spice Twist
Include a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a subtle kick.
Protein Options
Substitute beef with lamb or pork for different flavor profiles.
Gluten-Free Option
Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for thickening.
Tips
Brown the Meat Well
Properly searing the beef enhances the stew’s depth of flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh garlic, vegetables, and herbs elevate the overall taste.
Adjust Consistency
For a thinner stew, add extra beef broth. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slurry.
Prep Ahead
Chop vegetables the night before to save time in the morning.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
This hearty beef stew is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep!