Dutch Oven Beef Stew – The Perfect Comfort Food
Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty beef stew served up in a Dutch oven. The flavor of the beef, vegetables, and herbs all meld together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to make a meal for a special occasion or just looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, Dutch Oven Beef Stew is the perfect go-to.
To make the perfect Dutch Oven Beef Stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
2 lbs. beef stew meat
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 bay leaves
4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound baby potatoes, diced
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
To begin, heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Next, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the Dutch oven and sauté until softened. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, and bay leaves. Add the beef broth and red wine and stir until combined.
Return the beef to the pot and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
In a small bowl, mix together the flour and butter until it forms a thick paste. Add the paste to the stew and stir until it is evenly distributed. Add the potatoes and peas and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
When the stew is finished cooking, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What ingredients are needed to make a beef stew in a Dutch oven?
Answer: To make a beef stew in a Dutch oven, you will need beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and red wine.
FAQ 2: How long does it take to cook a beef stew in a Dutch oven?
Answer: It takes approximately two and a half hours to cook a beef stew in a Dutch oven.
FAQ 3: What type of beef is best for stewing in a Dutch oven?
Answer: Chuck roast is the best cut of beef for stewing in a Dutch oven as it is a tough cut of meat that will become tender as it cooks.
FAQ 4: What is the best way to thicken a beef stew in a Dutch oven?
Answer: The best way to thicken a beef stew in a Dutch oven is to remove some of the liquid, mash some of the potatoes, and then return the mashed potatoes to the stew.
FAQ 5: Is it possible to cook a beef stew in a Dutch oven on the stovetop?
Answer: Yes, it is possible to cook a beef stew in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. However, it is best to use low heat and to stir the stew occasionally to prevent it from burning.