Best 4 Weekday Beef Stew Recipes

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Indulge in the hearty goodness of our Weekday Beef Stew, a classic comfort food made easy for busy weeknights. This delectable stew features melt-in-your-mouth beef chunks braised in a rich and flavorful broth, accompanied by an array of tender vegetables. With three diverse recipes to choose from, you'll find the perfect variation to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Our classic beef stew recipe delivers a timeless flavor combination, while the slow cooker version offers a hassle-free cooking method for those short on time. For a healthier twist, try our lightened-up beef stew, which uses leaner cuts of beef and incorporates wholesome vegetables. No matter which recipe you choose, you're in for a satisfying and comforting meal that will warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST BEEF STEW



The Best Beef Stew image

Our stew has tons of flavor thanks to the herbs, red wine and balsamic vinegar. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h30m

Yield 6 servings (2-1/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 19

1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups dry red wine
2 cups beef broth
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary, divided
2 bay leaves
3 cups cubed peeled potatoes
3 cups coarsely chopped onions (about 2 large)
2 cups sliced carrots
2 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
Additional fresh rosemary, optional

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, toss beef and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, combine 4 tablespoons flour and paprika. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and toss to coat. , In a Dutch oven, brown beef in oil over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste, herbes de Provence and garlic; cook until fragrant and color starts to darken slightly. Add wine; cook until mixture just comes to a boil. Simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in broth, 1 teaspoon rosemary and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until meat is almost tender, about 1-1/2 hours., Add potatoes, onions and carrots. Cover; simmer until meat and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes longer., Discard bay leaves. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 2 tablespoon flour. Add cold water and vinegar; stir until smooth. Stir into stew. Bring to a boil; add peas. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 2 minutes. If desired, top with additional fresh rosemary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366 calories, Fat 11g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 605mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

OLD-FASHIONED BEEF STEW



Old-Fashioned Beef Stew image

This classic stick-to-your-ribs stew is the ideal project for a chilly weekend. Beef, onion, carrots, potatoes and red wine come together in cozy harmony. If you are feeding a crowd, good news: It doubles (or triples) beautifully.

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     dinner, one pot, soups and stews, main course

Time 2h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 pound beef stewing meat, trimmed and cut into inch cubes
5 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cup red wine
3 1/2 cups beef broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
2 bay leaves
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds
2 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • Combine the flour and pepper in a bowl, add the beef and toss to coat well. Heat 3 teaspoons of the oil in a large pot. Add the beef a few pieces at a time; do not overcrowd. Cook, turning the pieces until beef is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch; add more oil as needed between batches.
  • Remove the beef from the pot and add the vinegar and wine. Cook over medium-high heat, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Add the beef, beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer.
  • Cover and cook, skimming broth from time to time, until the beef is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Add the onions and carrots and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Add the potatoes and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more. Add broth or water if the stew is dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle among 4 bowls and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 494, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 54 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 35 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 1604 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams

ULTIMATE BEEF STEW



Ultimate Beef Stew image

Ina Garten couldn't possibly have known when she started working on her latest cookbook how much we'd all need comfort food right now. She came up with the concept for Modern Comfort Food more than two years ago, figuring the book would arrive just before the presidential election and that we might be a bit stressed. "Little did I know that 2020 would bring so much more," she says. "Right now I think we just want really simple comforting foods that make us feel good." In many ways, the book seems meant to be. "It was the easiest one I've ever written. I tend to gravitate toward comfort food anyway, and I found that the book just flowed in a way I don't ever remember." Many of the recipes are the culmination of years of experimentation and taste memories. This beef stew was inspired by the takeout stews Ina and Jeffrey ate in their tent when they camped outside Paris in the spring and summer of 1971. "Over the years I learned a lot about what makes beef stew really delicious," she says. "A nice red wine, short ribs instead of chuck. It's a classic recipe, just done in a more modern way."

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons good olive oil
4 ounces small-diced pancetta
3 pounds boneless short ribs, cut in 1 1/2-inch chunks (4 1/2 pounds on the bone)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup Cognac or brandy
1 cup hearty red wine, such as a Côtes du Rhône or Chianti, divided
2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
2 cups chopped fennel, trimmed and cored (1 large bulb)
2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, including the juices
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups beef broth, such as College Inn
1 pound carrots, scrubbed and cut 1/2 inch thick diagonally
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed, 1-inch diced
10 ounces frozen peas

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300˚ F.
  • Heat the oil in a large (11- to 12-inch) Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until browned. With a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a plate lined with a paper towel and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, season the short ribs all over with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Brown half the meat in the Dutch oven over medium heat, turning occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, until browned on all sides. Transfer the meat to a bowl and brown the second batch. (Don't cook them all in one batch or they won't brown!) Transfer the second batch to the bowl and set aside.
  • Off the heat, add the Cognac and 1/3 cup of the wine to the pot, scraping up any browned bits, then simmer over medium heat for one minute. Add the onions and fennel and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the garlic and cook for one minute.
  • Stir the tomatoes and tomato paste into the vegetables. Add the remaining 2/3 cup of wine, the beef broth, the seared meat (and juices), 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover and bake for 1 1/4 hours, checking occasionally to be sure the liquid is simmering.
  • Degrease the stew, if necessary. Stir in the carrots and potatoes, cover and bake for one hour longer, until the vegetables and meat are very tender when tested with a fork. Just before serving, stir in the peas and pancetta, taste for seasonings and serve hot in large, shallow bowls.

CLASSIC BEEF STEW



Classic Beef Stew image

From the inviting aroma to the hearty taste, every bite of this beef stew recipe promises warmth, comfort and satisfaction. When a pot of beef stew is simmering away on your stovetop, it's clear to everyone that a great meal is in the making.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 3h45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon vegetable oil or shortening
1 lb boneless beef chuck, tip or round roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large unpeeled potato, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1 teaspoon salt
1 dried bay leaf
1/2 cup cold water
2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • In 12-inch skillet or 4-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes. Add beef; cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown on all sides.
  • Add water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cover; simmer 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes or until beef is almost tender.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients except cold water and flour. Cover; cook about 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf.
  • In tightly covered jar or container, shake cold water and flour; gradually stir into beef mixture. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute until thickened.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 980 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1/2 g

Tips:

  • Use a Dutch oven or large pot with a heavy bottom to evenly distribute heat and prevent scorching.
  • Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure proper browning.
  • Sear the vegetables separately from the beef to enhance their flavor and prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Use a variety of vegetables to add color, texture, and nutrients to the stew.
  • Use a good quality red wine to add depth and richness to the stew.
  • Simmer the stew for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  • Serve the stew over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Conclusion:

This hearty and flavorful beef stew is a perfect meal for a cold winter day. The combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy is sure to warm you up from the inside out. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make this stew on a weeknight. So next time you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give this weekday beef stew a try.

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