Description
This classic beef and vegetable stew offers robust flavors from slow-simmered meat and seasonal produce. Rich ingredients blend perfectly, creating a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 900 grams (2 lbs) boneless beef chuck roast, cubed
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed
- 3 carrots, cut into medallions
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 0.5 cups shallot, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsps tomato paste
- 3 tbsps vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp no sodium bouillon cube
- 3.5 tsps salt
- 1.5 tsps black pepper
- 2 tsps dried thyme
- 2 cups water (500 ml), plus more if not using an Instant Pot
- 2 tsps flour (optional, for a thicker sauce)
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat beef cubes with salt, ensuring even distribution and enhanced flavor absorption.
- Searing Stage: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then introduce seasoned beef chunks, creating a rich golden-brown exterior by rotating pieces systematically.
- Flavor Enhancement: Whisk flour with water to create a smooth slurry, then dissolve bouillon cube in warm liquid, blending black pepper, thyme, and tomato paste for a deep, complex taste profile.
- Vegetable Integration: Roughly chop potatoes, carrots, and combine with frozen peas and corn, adding substantial texture and nutritional depth to the stew.
- Liquid Infusion: Pour prepared flavor-rich liquid over meat and vegetables, completely submerging ingredients to ensure thorough cooking and flavor melding.
- Cooking Method: For Instant Pot, seal lid and pressurize for 55-60 minutes; alternatively, for traditional oven preparation, cover pot and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours until ingredients reach optimal tenderness.
- Finishing Touch: Allow stew to rest for 10 minutes, permitting flavors to harmonize and sauce to naturally thicken, creating a rich, comforting final dish ready for serving.
Notes
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose chuck roast or stew beef with good marbling for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
- Searing Secrets: Take time to brown meat thoroughly, creating a deep caramelized crust that develops complex taste layers.
- Liquid Leverage: Use beef broth instead of water for enhanced depth and more robust meat flavor profile.
- Resting Ritual: Letting stew sit allows ingredients to absorb seasonings and sauce to naturally thicken, improving overall texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 342
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 879 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg