🥘 Classic Hearty Beef Stew
Slow-cooked, tender chunks of beef with vegetables in a thick, savory broth.
🛒 Ingredients:
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2 lbs stew beef, cubed
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2 tbsp flour (for coating)
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Salt & pepper
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2 tbsp oil (for browning)
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1 onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3–4 cups beef broth
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp thyme or Italian seasoning
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3 carrots, chopped
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3 potatoes, cubed
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 bay leaf (optional)
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Optional: ½ cup red wine (for depth)
👩🍳 Instructions:
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Brown the Beef:
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Toss beef in flour, salt, and pepper.
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Sear in oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics:
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In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
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Deglaze & Simmer:
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Add tomato paste and wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits.
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Return beef to the pot. Add broth, Worcestershire, thyme, and bay leaf.
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Cook Low & Slow:
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Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 2 to 2½ hours (or in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours).
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Add Veggies:
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Add potatoes, carrots, and celery. Simmer another 30–40 minutes, or until veggies and meat are fork-tender.
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Thicken if Needed:
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For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in during the last 10 minutes.
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📝 Pro Tips:
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Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or over mashed potatoes.
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Leftovers are even better the next day!
🍝 Rich Beef Sauce (for Pasta or Rice)
Like a beefy Bolognese but chunkier — savory, thick, and full of flavor.
🛒 Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef (or minced beef chunks)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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1 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: a splash of milk or cream for richness
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Optional: ¼ cup red wine
👩🍳 Instructions:
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Brown the Beef:
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Sauté ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add Aromatics:
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Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
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Build the Sauce:
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Stir in tomato paste, then add tomatoes, seasonings, and wine (if using). Simmer for 15–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Finish & Serve:
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in a splash of cream or a bit of butter for extra richness.
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Serve over pasta, rice, or polenta.
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Would you like a pressure cooker or Instant Pot version of either? Or a Jamaican-style beef stew with bold spices?
