Here’s a rich, hearty Beef and Mushroom Stew — tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a deeply savory gravy. Perfect for chilly days.
🍲 Beef and Mushroom Stew
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, replace with more broth if preferred)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup water (as needed)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for finishing)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
- Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss with flour until lightly coated.
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown beef in batches, 4–5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onion and cook 3–4 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook until browned and moisture evaporates.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.
3️⃣ Deglaze & Simmer
- Pour in red wine (if using), scraping up browned bits.
- Return beef to the pot.
- Add broth, carrots, thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add water if needed so liquid just covers ingredients.
4️⃣ Slow Cook
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook on low 1½–2 hours (or bake covered at 325°F / 160°C) until beef is fork-tender.
5️⃣ Finish
- Remove bay leaf.
- Simmer uncovered a few minutes to thicken if needed.
- Stir in butter for a silky finish.
- Garnish with parsley.
Serving Ideas
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Crusty bread
- Creamy polenta
Tips & Variations
- Richer flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- Extra mushrooms: Mix in wild mushrooms for deeper flavor.
- Thicker stew: Mash a few cooked potatoes into the broth.
- Slow cooker option: After browning, cook on low 6–8 hours.
If you’d like, I can also give you a Guinness beef and mushroom stew version with deeper, pub-style flavor.
