Get ready to blitz your taste buds with the legendary John Madden Beef Stew – a culinary playbook that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort food touchdown! This hearty, soul-warming recipe isn't just a meal; it's a game-day champion that'll have your family and friends cheering from the first savory bite. Packed with tender beef chunks, robust vegetables, and a rich, flavor-packed broth, this stew is the MVP of home-cooked meals that promises to score big in your kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes and season generously with salt and pepper. Chop the onion, slice the carrots, and dice the potatoes. Set aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir well, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, and then add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Stir everything together to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that the ingredients are mostly submerged. Add the thyme and stir to incorporate all the flavors.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- After 2 hours, check the beef for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and the vegetables should be cooked through. If the stew is too thick, you can add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose beef chuck with good marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor. Browning the meat in batches is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor profile.
- Low and Slow Wins: Patience is key! Simmering the stew on low heat allows the beef to become incredibly tender and helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Seasoning Strategy: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. Season the meat before browning and taste and adjust the seasoning at the end of cooking.
- Liquid Logic: Ensure your beef is mostly submerged in broth, but not completely drowning. This helps create the perfect stew consistency.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify overnight.
- Garnish Game: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving can add a bright, fresh finish to your hearty stew.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
