Get ready to warm your soul with a bowl of Texas Two Step Stew, a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the bold tastes of Tex-Mex right to your kitchen! This stew is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport you to the heart of Texas with every savory bite. Packed with tender beef, zesty tomatoes, and a kick of chili powder, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With just 20 minutes of prep and a simmering time that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, you'll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in. Trust us, this is one stew you won't want to miss!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef chuck, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting beef chuck into uniform 1-inch cubes, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of chili powder, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or stew pot over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown the seasoned beef cubes in batches, ensuring they develop a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add diced tomatoes, remaining chili powder, beef broth, and drained kidney beans. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer slowly for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the stew periodically, ensuring meat becomes tender and sauce thickens. If needed, add small amounts of additional beef broth to maintain desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder in the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- Once meat is fork-tender and stew has reached desired thickness, remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: For the best flavor and tenderness, use beef chuck. It’s well-marbled and becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking.
- Brown the Meat Well: Don’t rush the browning process! Sear the beef cubes in batches to create a rich, deep flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stew.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you love a bit more heat, feel free to add extra chili powder or even some diced jalapeños to the mix for a spicy kick.
- Let It Simmer: The longer you let the stew simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. Aim for at least two hours, but if you can let it go longer, it will only get better!
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your stew in the last half hour of cooking. This is the time to adjust the seasoning to your liking, ensuring it’s perfectly tailored to your palate.
- Serve with Toppings: Garnish your stew with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Make it Ahead of Time: This stew tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead and let the flavors develop overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
