Stewed Steak is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The key to tender, flavorful stewed steak is slow-cooking it in a rich broth with vegetables and seasonings. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious stewed steak that you can enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread.
Stewed Steak Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat or chuck steak, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth (or more as needed)
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
- If using red wine, pour it into the pot to deglaze, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- If you’re not using wine, simply add the beef broth to the pot and stir.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Slow-Cook the Stew:
- Once the stew is simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beef stew cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and check if more broth is needed.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of water to create a smooth paste (a slurry).
- Gradually add this flour mixture to the stew, stirring to incorporate. Let the stew simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth.
7. Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the stewed steak hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips for Success:
- Cut of Beef: Use a tougher cut of beef like chuck roast, as it will break down during the slow-cooking process and become tender.
- Slow Cooker Option: To make this in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stove, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like potatoes, peas, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Stewed steak often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Enjoy!
This Stewed Steak is a rich and satisfying dish, perfect for cold weather or any time you’re craving something hearty. The tender beef and flavorful sauce will make this a favorite comfort food in your household!