Get ready to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds with our irresistible Spicy Beef Stew with Carrots and Tomatoes! This hearty American classic is perfect for cozy nights in, with tender beef simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Packed with vibrant carrots and zesty tomatoes, each spoonful is a delightful explosion of flavor that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be simple yet satisfying, making it the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Dive into this delicious adventure and discover the secret to a stew that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season the meat generously with salt, pepper, and half of the chili powder.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- 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.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, remaining chili powder, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for approximately 1 hour, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- Add sliced carrots to the stew and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes or until carrots are soft and beef is very tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Recommend pairing with crusty bread or rice.
Tips
- Browning the Beef: Take your time when browning the beef stew meat. This step is crucial for developing rich flavors, so avoid overcrowding the pot and brown the meat in batches.
- Enhancing Flavor: Don’t skip the seasoning! Generously season the beef with salt, pepper, and chili powder before cooking to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for the full duration. This slow cooking process helps tenderize the meat and meld the flavors beautifully.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the amount of chili powder or add it gradually to taste. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add more!
- Perfect Texture: For perfectly tender carrots, add them to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This way, they’ll soften without losing their vibrant color and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and consider pairing it with crusty bread or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 286kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 67mg
