When the temperature dips and comfort food calls, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty bowl of beef stew. The Ultimate Beef Stew with Mushrooms from Taste and See takes this classic to a new level, blending tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and root vegetables in a savory, rich broth. This stew is a celebration of deep, hearty flavors that come together beautifully, simmered to perfection in a single pot. With the meat’s savory richness and the satisfying textures of carrots and mushrooms, this dish is guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.
This recipe is perfect for cozy family meals, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit any taste, allowing you to customize the ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a stew that will bring comfort to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deeply Flavorful: This stew combines beef with mushrooms, thyme, garlic, and optional balsamic vinegar, creating a balanced flavor profile with earthy and savory notes.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Like most stews, this one improves in taste after a day or two, making it a great make-ahead dish.
- Perfect for Cold Weather: Ideal for warming up on chilly nights, this stew provides the ultimate in cozy comfort food.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef Chuck Roast – Cut into 1-inch cubes; chuck roast is ideal for stews because it becomes tender with slow cooking.
- Mushrooms – Button or cremini mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor.
- Carrots – For a bit of sweetness and texture.
- Baby Potatoes – Hold their shape well when cooked and add a creamy texture to the stew.
- Yellow Onion – Adds depth to the stew base.
- Garlic – Enhances the flavors with warmth and aroma.
- Beef Broth – For a flavorful liquid base.
- Tomato Paste – Adds a touch of acidity and richness to the broth.
- Balsamic Vinegar (Optional) – Adds depth and slight sweetness.
- Dried Thyme – For a herbaceous, fragrant flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive Oil – For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
How to Make Ultimate Beef Stew with Mushrooms
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the meat in batches, ensuring each piece has space to brown without overcrowding the pot. Searing locks in the meat’s flavor, so allow each side to brown for 3-4 minutes before turning. Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onions, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly. This layer of cooked onions and garlic infuses the stew with a robust base flavor.
Step 3: Add the Mushrooms
Add the mushrooms to the pot, sautéing until they begin to release their juices, approximately 5 minutes. This step is crucial for releasing the mushroom’s earthy flavors into the stew.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
To lift all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot, deglaze by adding a splash of beef broth or balsamic vinegar, scraping up any stuck-on bits. This adds a concentrated flavor to your stew.
Step 5: Build the Stew Base
Return the seared beef to the pot, along with the tomato paste, dried thyme, and remaining beef broth. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. This mixture forms the backbone of your stew, where the flavors will meld together as it cooks.
Step 6: Add Carrots and Potatoes
Add the chopped carrots and baby potatoes to the pot, stirring them into the stew. These vegetables add texture and body, absorbing the flavors of the broth as they cook.
Step 7: Simmer the Stew
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, allowing the stew to simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. The long, slow cook time allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to deepen. Check occasionally to ensure the stew is simmering gently and to stir it, preventing sticking.
Helpful Tips
- For Extra Tender Beef: Cook the stew even longer if you prefer ultra-tender beef, up to 3 hours on low heat.
- Using Other Cuts of Beef: If you can’t find chuck roast, consider using stew meat or short ribs for similar results.
- Adding a Thickener: If you prefer a thicker stew, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) toward the end of the cooking time.
- Flavor Enhancements: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a hint of smoked paprika can add another layer of flavor if you prefer a bolder taste.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Stew
- Method: Simmering, Slow-Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- Storage: This stew will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Freezing: Beef stew freezes beautifully! Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating, and enjoy within 3 months for best quality.
- Adjust the Veggies: Feel free to add celery, parsnips, or turnips for variety, or to suit your preferences.
Nutritional Information
For one serving:
- Calories: Approx. 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Slow Cooker?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for a slow cooker. Simply sear the beef and sauté the onions and mushrooms before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
What Mushrooms Are Best?
Cremini or button mushrooms work best as they hold their shape well during long cooking. If you want to add a richer flavor, you could also try using a mix of mushrooms, including shiitake or portobello.
Can I Skip the Balsamic Vinegar?
Absolutely. The balsamic vinegar is optional and simply adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. If you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, your stew will still be delicious!
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat until thoroughly heated. For longer storage, freeze individual portions, letting them thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Ultimate Beef Stew, you’ll enjoy these cozy, hearty meals:
In Conclusion
The Ultimate Beef Stew with Mushrooms is the perfect cold-weather dish, filled with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and an irresistibly rich broth. It’s ideal for family meals, meal prep, or sharing with friends. The ingredients meld together over a long simmer, creating a delicious depth of flavor that’s worth the wait. Once you try it, this stew is sure to become a beloved staple on your winter table. Enjoy!
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Ultimate Beef Stew with Mushrooms: The Perfect Comfort Food
Description
When the temperature dips and comfort food calls, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty bowl of beef stew. The Ultimate Beef Stew with Mushrooms from Taste and See takes this classic to a new level, blending tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and root vegetables in a savory, rich broth. This stew is a celebration of deep, hearty flavors that come together beautifully, simmered to perfection in a single pot. With the meat’s savory richness and the satisfying textures of carrots and mushrooms, this dish is guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.
This recipe is perfect for cozy family meals, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit any taste, allowing you to customize the ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a stew that will bring comfort to any table.
Ingredients
- Beef Chuck Roast – Cut into 1-inch cubes; chuck roast is ideal for stews because it becomes tender with slow cooking.
- Mushrooms – Button or cremini mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor.
- Carrots – For a bit of sweetness and texture.
- Baby Potatoes – Hold their shape well when cooked and add a creamy texture to the stew.
- Yellow Onion – Adds depth to the stew base.
- Garlic – Enhances the flavors with warmth and aroma.
- Beef Broth – For a flavorful liquid base.
- Tomato Paste – Adds a touch of acidity and richness to the broth.
- Balsamic Vinegar (Optional) – Adds depth and slight sweetness.
- Dried Thyme – For a herbaceous, fragrant flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive Oil – For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the meat in batches, ensuring each piece has space to brown without overcrowding the pot. Searing locks in the meat’s flavor, so allow each side to brown for 3-4 minutes before turning. Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onions, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly. This layer of cooked onions and garlic infuses the stew with a robust base flavor.
Step 3: Add the Mushrooms
Add the mushrooms to the pot, sautéing until they begin to release their juices, approximately 5 minutes. This step is crucial for releasing the mushroom’s earthy flavors into the stew.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
To lift all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot, deglaze by adding a splash of beef broth or balsamic vinegar, scraping up any stuck-on bits. This adds a concentrated flavor to your stew.
Step 5: Build the Stew Base
Return the seared beef to the pot, along with the tomato paste, dried thyme, and remaining beef broth. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. This mixture forms the backbone of your stew, where the flavors will meld together as it cooks.
Step 6: Add Carrots and Potatoes
Add the chopped carrots and baby potatoes to the pot, stirring them into the stew. These vegetables add texture and body, absorbing the flavors of the broth as they cook.
Step 7: Simmer the Stew
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, allowing the stew to simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. The long, slow cook time allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to deepen. Check occasionally to ensure the stew is simmering gently and to stir it, preventing sticking.
Notes
- Storage: This stew will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Freezing: Beef stew freezes beautifully! Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating, and enjoy within 3 months for best quality.
- Adjust the Veggies: Feel free to add celery, parsnips, or turnips for variety, or to suit your preferences.