Savory Mushroom and Beef Stew

This stew combines tender beef and earthy mushrooms, slow-cooked to create a warm and inviting dish perfect for any comfort meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any other cooking oil you prefer)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, low sodium)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Beef: Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels—this will help in browning the meat.
2. Sear the Meat: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Mushrooms: Introduce the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they begin to soften and release their moisture, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add in the carrots, potatoes, seared beef, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, black pepper, thyme, and basil. Stir well to mix everything together.
6. Slow Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot, allowing it to simmer for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
7. Finish & Serve: Discard the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired!

Flavor Profile

This stew delivers a robust and savory flavor, with the earthiness from the mushrooms complementing the tender beef. Each bite is filled with harmonious flavors that evoke warmth and comfort, perfect for any mealtime.

If you need any modifications or have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask! Enjoy your cooking experience!