Best 3 Perfect Beef Stew Recipes

Beef stew is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. There are countless recipes for beef stew, but the key to making a perfect one is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook it low and slow. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to making the perfect beef stew, from choosing the right cut of meat to adding the finishing touches. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, we have everything you need to know to make a delicious and satisfying beef stew that will impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

PERFECT WINTER BEEF STEW

Perfect Winter Beef Stew image

with only a few ingredients, this foolproof hearty dish is guaranteed to become a favorite winter staple. It fills you up in way that you are not too full or a little bit hungry.

Provided by traveling baker

Categories Stew

Time 2h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

3/4 cup kraft Italian dressing
2 lbs beef stew meat, such as beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch chunks
6 slices oscar mayer bacon, chopped
1 cup chopped onion (about 1 large)
3 cups sliced mushrooms
3 cups sliced carrots
stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can beef broth

Steps:

Place dressing and meat in large resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate 30 minutes to marinate. Meanwhile, cook bacon in large saucepan on medium heat 5 minutes, or until crisp. Remove bacon from saucepan: drain.
Add onions and mushrooms; cook on medium-high heat 10 minutes., or until softened. remove meat from marinade; discard marinade. add meat, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes with their liquid, the broth and bacon to saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce hear to low; cover and simmer 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Simmer uncovered, 15 minutes or until meat is tender and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.

PERFECT CROCK POT BEEF STEW

Perfect Crock Pot Beef Stew image

This is an excellent recipe for crock-pot beef stew, as adapted from a combination of two other highly-rated stove-top beef stew recipes posted. I made it as an experiment, and my friends and family exclaimed over it for days afterwards!

Provided by uberivy

Categories Stew

Time 6h20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil
3 lbs beef stew meat
2 1/2 cups onions, chopped
1/3 cup leek, chopped fine
1 cup red wine
1 cup beef broth
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
3 medium carrots, chopped
2 large yukon gold potatoes or 2 large red potatoes, diced
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil (1/3 c. chopped fresh)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
3 garlic cloves, diced
1 cup cremini mushroom, sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch, to thicken sauce if needed
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

Heat 2 TBSPs oil in large skillet, season meat with salt and pepper, stir meat in oil until slightly browned.
Transfer meat into crock-pot and add onions and 2 TBSPs oil to skillet, reduce heat to medium-sauté onions until golden brown, mix with meat.
Sauté leeks briefly in skillet and add to meat and onions in crock pot.
Add wine, tomatoes with juices, garlic, herbs, hoisin sauce, water, and bay leaves.
Simmer for 4-5 hours on low setting, or 2 on high.
Add carrots and potatoes and beef broth. Cook another 2 hours.
Add mushrooms. Cook for final hour on low setting.
Uncover, increase heat, stir until thickened-add cornstarch if necessary. Discard bay leaves.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

PERFECT BEEF STEW

Perfect Beef Stew image

I tried quite a few different ways to make beef stew and this is made in the crock pot so it is so tender.

Provided by Jane Whittaker

Categories Beef Soups

Time 8h10m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 1/2 to 2 lb stew meat cut into 1/2 inch chunks
1/2 c flour
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
4 Tbsp vegtable oil
8 small baby carrots, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
10 small new potatoes cut into quarters
20 1/2 oz ( 2- 10.25 ounce) jars beef gravy
1 1/2 oz packet dry beef stew seasoning
1/2 can(s) beer
1/2 to 2/3 c frozen peas
1 c frozen pearl onions

Steps:

1. Cut beef into 1/2 inch pieces.
2. In a zip lock bag, put in the flour, and salt and pepper. Add the beef to bag, shaking to coat, you will probably have to do this a few times to get all the beef coated
3. Heat vegtable oil on a large fry pan and saute the beef until browned, you might need to do this in two batches too
4. Put a disposable liner in your slow cooker, and add the meat.
5. To the fry pan that you browned your meat in, add the beer and simmer for a few minutes to get all the little crunchie things. That's where the love is. Pour this over meat.
6. Cut carrots an potatoes into chunks, put in pot. Put onions in pot.
7. Sprinkle the beef stew seasoning packet over.
8. Pour gravy over, and give a stir.
9. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours
10. Half hour before you are ready to eat, add peas, cover and continue to cook. At serving time give a stir.

Tips:

Choose the right cut of beef. Chuck roast, short ribs, and brisket are all good choices for beef stew.
Brown the beef before stewing. This will help to develop flavor and color.
Use a variety of vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery are all classic beef stew vegetables, but you can also add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms.
Add some herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and black pepper are all good choices for beef stew.
Cook the stew low and slow. This will help to tenderize the beef and develop the flavors.
Serve the stew with a side of bread or mashed potatoes.

Conclusion:

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter day. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious beef stew that your whole family will love. So next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give beef stew a try!