Savory Beef Stew with Creamy Sides and Fresh Salad

Here’s a comforting Savory Beef Stew recipe paired with Creamy Sides and a Fresh Salad to create a complete and satisfying meal!

Savory Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or brisket, cut into cubes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and brown it on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
   • If needed, add a little water or broth to the pot and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Simmer the Stew:
   • Add the browned beef back into the pot. Add the beef broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. Add the Veggies:
   • After the stew has simmered, add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and green beans. Continue to cook for another 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
   • For a thicker stew, mix the flour with a little cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the stew. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to thicken up.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy your hearty stew!

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Creamy Side Dish: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
2. Prepare the Garlic Cream:
   • While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Mash and Mix:
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher. Add the butter-garlic mixture and heavy cream. Continue mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve:
   • Transfer to a bowl and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

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Fresh Salad: Simple Mixed Green Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, lettuce)
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and any optional toppings like cheese or nuts.
2. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss and Serve:
   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve fresh alongside your beef stew and mashed potatoes!

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Serving the Meal:

Now that everything is ready:

• Serve the Savory Beef Stew hot in bowls.
• Add a generous scoop of Garlic Mashed Potatoes on the side or even stir it into the stew for extra comfort.
• Finish with a refreshing, Fresh Salad to balance the richness of the meal.

This hearty meal is perfect for cozy dinners and will surely satisfy your cravings for something flavorful and filling! Enjoy!