Best 2 Cold Weather Comfort Food Simple Beef Stew Recipes

In the chilly months, a warm and hearty bowl of beef stew is the epitome of comfort food. This classic dish is a symphony of flavors, featuring tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich and flavorful broth. The beef stew recipes in this article offer a variety of options to suit every taste and dietary preference. From traditional to modern, slow-cooker to instant pot, and even a vegan version, there's a perfect recipe for everyone.

For those who love a classic beef stew, the Traditional Beef Stew recipe is a must-try. This hearty and flavorful stew features tender chunks of beef, carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, all simmered in a rich beef broth. For a more modern take on beef stew, the Guinness Beef Stew recipe adds a unique twist with the addition of Guinness beer. The beer adds a rich and malty flavor to the broth, making this stew a perfect choice for St. Patrick's Day or any other special occasion.

If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, the Slow-Cooker Beef Stew recipe is the perfect choice. Simply throw all of the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and dinner will be ready when you get home from work. The Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is another great option for busy weeknights. This recipe uses an Instant Pot to cook the stew in a fraction of the time, making it a great choice for those who are short on time.

For those who follow a plant-based diet, the Vegan Beef Stew recipe is a delicious and satisfying option. This stew features hearty chunks of plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, along with vegetables and a rich and flavorful broth. Whether you're a meat-eater or a vegan, there's a beef stew recipe in this article that's sure to warm your heart and soul.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

COLD WEATHER COMFORT FOOD: SIMPLE BEEF STEW

Cold Weather Comfort Food: Simple Beef Stew image

Beef stew is one of those quintessential cold weather comfort foods. I'll make it at the first whisper of a chill in the air and continue until the crocuses bloom in the Spring. Most of the ingredients are fairly traditional for a beef stew; however, I've added a few things to keep you warm on those cold, gray Winter...

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Categories Beef

Time 3h30m

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
2 Tbsp flour, all purpose variety
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
salt, kosher variety, to taste
black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
4 Tbsp grapeseed oil
3 lb chuck roast, boneless
3 or 4 slice thick-cut bacon
1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
6 small red potatoes, cut into quarters, about 12 ounces
3 medium carrots, peeled, and cut on the bias, about 8 ounces
2 sprig(s) fresh rosemary
2 sprig(s) fresh thyme
2 clove cloves, smashed
2 1/2 c hot beef stock, not broth (freshly made, if possible)
1/2 c dry white wine

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. Gather your ingredients.
3. Chef's Tip: The most important ingredient in this recipe is the correct cut of beef. The wrong cut of beef can become dry and stringy, which no sauce will ever be able to rescue. If you use beef chuck roast, you will have a juicy, tender and flavorful roast. Every time.
4. Take the smashed garlic, /rosemary and thyme, and tie together in a piece of cheesecloth with a piece of cooking twine.
5. Chef's Note: Tying the spices together is called a bouquet garni. By bundling them together it helps to remove them from the stew before consumption.
6. Add the oil to a Dutch oven, and bring the heat up to medium-high.
7. Season the roast with salt and pepper.
8. Add the roast to the Dutch oven and sear, about 4 minutes per side.
9. Chef's Note: Searing a roast does NOT lock in the juices (not sure how that rumor got started); however, it will add flavor to the finished product.
10. Remove the roast, and reserve.
11. Place a rack in the lower position, and preheat the oven to 300f (150c)
12. Reduce the heat on the Dutch oven to medium low, and layer the onions, potatoes and carrots, in that order.
13. Chef's Tip: Try to cut the carrots and potatoes to the same thickness. That way they will all cook evenly.
14. Return the roast to the Dutch oven.
15. Add the cumin, paprika, cayenne, flour, and wine to the hot broth, and whisk to combine.
16. Add the liquid to the Dutch oven, along with the bouquet garni.
17. Add the bacon slices to the top of the roast.
18. Allow the liquid to come up to a slight simmer.
19. Cover and place in the preheated oven.
20. Cook in the oven (without opening) for 2 to 3 hours, or until the roast is fork tender.
21. Chef's Tip: If you want your veggies to have a bit more of a bite to them, then do not add them until the last hour of cooking.
22. Remove the roast, discard the bacon and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
23. Remove the bouquet garni from the liquid and discard.
24. PLATE/PRESENT
25. Place some veggies and gravy in a deep plate.
26. Add a thick slice of beef to the top, and ladle on a bit more gravy.
27. Serve with some nice biscuits, to soak up all that yummy gravy. Enjoy.
28. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

COMFORT FOOD BEEF STEW

Comfort Food Beef Stew image

Make and share this Comfort Food Beef Stew recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Sugardoll

Categories Stew

Time 3h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 lbs stew meat
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons oil
4 cups water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons garlic
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2 bay leaves
4 carrots
2 stalks celery
4 medium red potatoes
3 small onions
2 green bell peppers
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons water

Steps:

Place beef and flour in a plastic baggie, Shake.
Pour oil into a large dutch oven, heat.
Add beef cook until brown, stirring occasionally.
Add water and next 4 ingredients.
Bring to a boil.
Cover.
Reduce heat and simmer 2 hours or until beef is tender.
Discard bay leaves.
Cut carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, and bell pepper, add to stew.
Cover and simmer 30 minutes, or until tender.
Combine water and flour, stirring well.
Pour into stew.
Boil, stirring constantly till thick and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411.3, Fat 11.8, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 96.8, Sodium 221, Carbohydrate 40.2, Fiber 5.4, Sugar 6.8, Protein 37.8

Tips:

Choose the right cut of beef: Chuck roast, short ribs, or brisket are all good options for beef stew. These cuts have a lot of connective tissue, which breaks down during cooking and makes the meat tender.
Brown the beef before stewing: Browning the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the stew pot helps to develop flavor and color.
Use a variety of vegetables: The more vegetables you add to your stew, the more flavorful it will be. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and turnips.
Season the stew well: Beef stew is a hearty dish, so don't be afraid to season it well. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and paprika.
Simmer the stew for at least an hour: The longer you simmer the stew, the more tender the meat and vegetables will be. Aim for at least an hour of simmering time, but you can simmer the stew for longer if you have time.
Serve the stew with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread: Beef stew is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Mashed potatoes, rice, and crusty bread are all good options.

Conclusion:

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is a hearty, flavorful dish that is easy to make. By following these tips, you can make a delicious beef stew that your family and friends will love.