The Best Fall Beef Stew Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a hearty beef stew on a cool autumn day. This recipe is packed full of flavor, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make! Simply throw all of the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it do its thing. In a few hours, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for any fall occasion.

Ingredients:

• ¼ Cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 Teaspoon pepper
• 2 Pounds beef chuck, 1 ½ inch cubes
• 2 Strips bacon, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 Medium onions, chopped
• 4 Cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 5 Cups chicken broth 
• 2 Cups beef broth
• 1 ½ Cups dry red wine
• 3 Bay leaves
• 1 Teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 Teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 Pound of potatoes, cubed
• 1 Pound butternut squash, peels, and cubed
• 4 Carrots, peeled and cubed
• 2 Stalks of celery, chopped
• ¼ Cup parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large plastic bag, mix together flour, salt, and pepper. Add beef chunks and shake until evenly coated.
2. In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Then add olive oil to the bacon grease. Add and cook the beef chunks until browned.
3. Remove the beef chunks and set them aside once browned and add the onions. Cook onions until translucent and stir in tomato paste.
4. Return the beef chunks to the pot of onions with the remaining flour mixture as well as the chicken broth, beef broth, wine, bay leaves, thyme, and paprika. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 ½ hour covered.
5. After 1 ½ hour add the potatoes, squash, carrots, and celery. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the lid and simmer for another 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. Remove bay leaves and stir in the parsley before serving.

How to Choose the Best Beef for Stew

When it comes to beef stew, you’ll want to use a cut that’s both flavorful and tender. Beef chuck is a perfect choice. It’s packed with flavor and it becomes meltingly tender when cooked slowly.

You can also use beef brisket or short ribs if you prefer. Just be sure to trim away any excess fat before adding the meat to the pot. Otherwise, your stew will be greasy.

Somebody would like to opt for a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or round. While these cuts are leaner, they’re also less flavorful. If you go this route, be sure to add extra seasoning to your stew. Moreover, you may need to cook the stew for a bit longer in order to tenderize the meat.

Not sure which beef to use? Just ask your butcher for good stewing beef and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Selecting the Right Potatoes

There are many different types of potatoes that you can use in beef stew. However, not all potatoes are created equal. Some will break down and turn to mush when cooked, while others will hold their shape but become mushy.

The best potato for beef stew is Yukon Gold. It’s a waxy potato that has just the right amount of starch. This means that it will hold its shape when cooked, but it will also become nice and tender. Other good choices include red potatoes or russet potatoes. Just be sure to avoid using baking potatoes, as they will become too mushy when cooked.

If you can’t find Yukon Gold potatoes, any type of waxy potato will do. Just be sure to cut the potatoes into small pieces so that they cook evenly.

Tips to Make the Perfect Fall Beef Stew

Making beef stew is pretty straightforward. However, there are a few tips and tricks that you can use to make sure your stew turns out perfect every time.

One of the most important things to remember is to brown the beef before adding it to the pot. This may seem like an extra step, but it’s worth it. Browning the beef adds flavor and color to the stew. It also helps to seal in the beef’s juices, which prevents the meat from drying out.

If you’re short on time, you can skip the browning step. However, your stew will be less flavorful as a result.

Another important tip is to simmer the stew until the beef is cooked through but still tender. This usually takes about 1 ½ hour. However, the exact cooking time will vary depending on the type of beef you’re using. So, be sure to check the beef periodically to make sure it doesn’t get overcooked. Be patient and don’t rush the process. After all, good things come to those who wait.

Finally, remember to add the vegetables in stages. Potatoes, squash, and carrots take longer to cook than celery and parsley. So, be sure to add them to the pot accordingly. This will ensure that all of the vegetables are cooked through but still tender.

Conclusion

As soon as the leaves start to change colors, it’s time to make beef stew. This hearty and comforting dish is the perfect way to warm up on a cool autumn day. Just be sure to choose the right beef and potatoes, and simmer the stew until the beef is cooked through but still tender. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make the perfect fall beef stew every time.