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Instructions for Making the Meat and Vegetable Stew
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Heat oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef: Add the stew meat to the pot in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, until it develops a rich, golden crust. This step adds a lot of flavor to the stew.
- Remove and set aside: Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Optional flour: If you want a thicker stew, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and garlic and stir it in. Let the flour cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will help thicken the broth as it simmers.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings
- Add liquids: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze it, loosening any browned bits from the meat that stuck to the bottom—this adds extra flavor to the stew.
- Stir in tomato paste and seasonings: Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 4: Return the Meat and Add Vegetables
- Return the beef: Place the browned beef back into the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated.
- Add vegetables: Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and green beans to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
- Bring to a boil: Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Lower the heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
- Add peas: About 10 minutes before serving, add the peas and let them cook through. If the stew is too thick at this point, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Taste and adjust: Once the stew is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove bay leaves: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Pair with crusty bread: This stew is perfect served with a side of crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Tips for the Perfect Meat and Vegetable Stew
- Use the Right Cut of Meat: For a melt-in-your-mouth stew, choose a tougher cut of beef like chuck roast or round steak, which becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks low and slow. If you prefer lamb or pork, you can substitute those cuts instead.
- Add Your Favorite Vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add any vegetables you love. Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips can make great additions. You can also throw in mushrooms, butternut squash, or corn for extra variety.
- Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, so it’s a great make-ahead meal. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Thicken the Stew: If you like your stew on the thicker side, after simmering, you can mash a few of the potatoes with a fork directly in the pot or use a hand blender for a smoother texture.
Why This Stew Is So Special
This meat and vegetable stew is a complete meal in a pot—hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a great way to feed a family or have leftovers for the week, and it can be made with basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity. The combination of tender meat, vegetables, and rich broth creates a comforting, soul-warming dish that’s both nutritious and filling. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the vegetables, adjust the seasonings, and experiment with different meats to create a version of the stew that suits your preferences.
Perfect for cooler months or whenever you need a wholesome, hearty meal, this stew is bound to become a go-to recipe in your collection. So, grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a delicious homemade stew!
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