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Traditional Beef Stew

2023-08-01

By Maria Ballard

Australian Cuisine

Main Course

Delicious Beef Stew: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer Methods for a Hearty Meal

How to Make Tender Beef Stew in the Slow Cooker: A Flavorful, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Recipe

Use the slow cooker’s "Low" setting to cook your beef stew for 6-8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld together. For a thicker stew, use the "High" setting in the last hour to reduce the liquid or add a cornstarch slurry.

Quick and Flavorful Beef Stew in the Instant Pot: Pressure Cooked to Perfection in Just 40 Minutes

Use the Instant Pot’s "Saute" function to brown the beef and vegetables before switching to "Pressure Cook." In just 35-40 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful stew. Add the potatoes and carrots toward the end to keep them from overcooking.

How to Use the Air Fryer to Add Extra Texture to Your Beef Stew: Crisping Meat for Delicious Results

While the air fryer isn’t typically used for stews, you can brown your beef and vegetables using the "Roast" function for 8-10 minutes, then transfer them to a pot for simmering. Use the air fryer for crisping the meat, which can then be added back into the stew for extra texture.

Tips and Suggestions on Beef Stew

Choosing the right meat

Choose a good quality beef chuck for the stew. Chuck is a flavorful and budget-friendly cut that becomes tender and succulent when slow-cooked.

Browning the meat

Brown the beef in batches before adding other ingredients. This step creates a rich, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the stew.

Building a flavor base

Start the stew by sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery to build a flavor base. Add herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, or paprika for added flavor.

Cooking time

Cook the stew on low heat for several hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. This slow-cooking process allows the beef to become rich and buttery.

Adding vegetables

Add hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes during the last hour of cooking. This ensures that the vegetables retain their texture and don’t become mushy.

Adjusting consistency

If the stew is too thin, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it. Alternatively, if the stew is too thick, add a little water or beef broth to thin it out.

Classic Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg beef stew meat
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 large carrots, chopped
  • 500 ml beef stock
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
  2. Toss the beef stew meat with flour in a bowl, until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef in the hot oil. Remove the beef and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, sauté garlic, onion, celery and carrots for a few minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the beef stock, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer. Return the browned beef to the dutch oven.
  6. Cover the dutch oven with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 3 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  7. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 240 min

Total time 270 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 435
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g

Variations for Beef Stew

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This version is made with hearty winter vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, combining with flavor-rich beef for a comforting, nourishing stew.

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Beef Stew with Spicy Lamb

This version is made with a blend of tender beef and spicy lamb, creating a bold, savory stew that warms the soul.

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Beef Stew with Lemon

This version is made with zesty lemon and tender beef, infusing the stew with bright flavors that elevate the classic dish.

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Red Wine Beef Stew

This version is made with robust red wine, tender beef, and aromatic herbs, creating a rich, deep flavor that delights the palate.

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Provencal Beef Stew

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Kangaroo Beef Stew

This version is made with lean kangaroo meat, hearty vegetables, and bold spices, creating a unique and flavorful twist on traditional beef stew.

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