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Mimi’s Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Mimi's Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Are you craving a hearty, mouthwatering meal that brings back memories of grandma's kitchen? Look no further than Mimi's Old-Fashioned Beef Stew - a classic American comfort dish that promises to transport you to a world of rich, slow-cooked flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that will have your family begging for seconds!

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

  1. 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
  2. 4 cups beef broth
  3. 3 carrots, sliced
  4. 3 potatoes, diced
  5. 1 onion, chopped
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 2 tbsp tomato paste
  8. 1 tsp thyme
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize and develop rich flavor.
  5. Return browned beef to the pot and pour in beef broth. Add thyme, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer slowly for approximately
  7. 5 hours, allowing the beef to become tender.
  8. Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the stew. Continue cooking for an additional 30-40 minutes until vegetables are soft and meat is fork-tender.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
  11. Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips

  1. Pat the beef dry before browning - this is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden crust that locks in flavor.
  2. Brown the meat in batches to ensure each piece gets a perfect sear. Overcrowding the pot will steam the meat instead of browning it.
  3. Use chuck roast for the most tender and flavorful results. The marbling in chuck makes it perfect for slow cooking.
  4. Low and slow is the secret to tender beef - don't rush the cooking process.
  5. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine when you add the beef broth.
  7. Store leftovers in the refrigerator - this stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
  8. If the stew is too thin, you can create a quick slurry with cornstarch and water to thicken it to your desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 350kcal

Carbohydrates: 20g

Protein: 30g

Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 90mg

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