This hearty beef stew features plenty of delicious, garden-fresh herbs and vegetables, so it’s a great way to enjoy those savory treasures from your own garden or the local farmers’ market. This dish can be served on its own or paired with your favorite salad for a more well-rounded meal. Either way, this recipe will feed a crowd – or leave plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day.
Prep time: 20-25 minutes
Cook time: 1½ – 2½ hours
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
8 oz. white mushrooms, sliced
2 lbs. beef stew, cut into 1” cubes
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3-4 c. organic beef stock, divided*
1 c. dry red wine
1 whole bay leaf
3 large carrots, chopped
2 large stalks celery, finely diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 lbs. Russet potatoes, chopped
2 t. fresh thyme leaves, rinsed
2 t. fresh oregano leaves, rinsed
1 T. fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
*Use more or less beef stock to achieve the desired
consistency
Directions:
- Wash and peel all vegetables and pat
dry before prepping. (Potato skins can either be left on or removed based on
personal preference).
- Heat olive oil, garlic, and mushrooms
in a large (5 or 6-quart), high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté for
5-7 minutes or until mushrooms start to release their liquid, stirring
occasionally.
- Working in batches if necessary, add beef
to skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Season with salt and black
pepper, to taste. Transfer browned beef and mushroom mixture to a large bowl, and
return empty skillet to the cooktop.
- Deglaze skillet with 1 cup beef stock
and the red wine over medium-high heat, using a spatula or wooden spoon to
scrape up any brown bits. Boil liquid until reduced by one half before
returning the beef-mushroom mixture to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 cups of beef broth and the bay leaf to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 1-1½ hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir beef mixture occasionally while simmering.
- Remove lid and add carrots, celery, onion,
potatoes, and fresh herbs. Stir to combine and add additional beef stock, if
necessary, to reach desired consistency.
- Continue simmering, uncovered, for another 20-25 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are tender, but not mushy. Remove from heat and discard bay leaf. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon hot stew into individual serving bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy!