Save A hearty, robust stew featuring tender beef simmered with smoked paprika, garlic, and vegetables&perfect for comforting meals on a budget.
This stew quickly became a family favorite due to its rich flavors and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck: 800 g (1.75 lb) cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes
- Onions: 2 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 large, peeled and sliced
- Celery: 2 stalks, sliced
- Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and cut into chunks
- Red bell pepper: 1, chopped
- Canned diced tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Smoked paprika: 2 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Beef broth: 750 ml (3 cups)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2:
- Lower heat to medium. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Step 4:
- Add carrots, celery, potatoes, and bell pepper. Mix well.
- Step 5:
- Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Step 6:
- Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 7:
- Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is very tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Step 8:
- Discard bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Save We love sharing this stew with family on chilly evenings, creating warm memories with every bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or over cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Allergen Information
Contains no major allergens; always check store-bought broth and tomato products for hidden allergens or gluten.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 450 Calories, 18 g Total Fat, 34 g Carbohydrates, 38 g Protein.
Save This stew is even better the next day when flavors meld together perfectly.
Recipe Guide
- → What cut of beef works best for this dish?
Beef chuck is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, but brisket or stewing beef can be used as alternatives.
- → Can I add wine to enhance the flavor?
Yes, adding a splash of red wine along with the broth deepens the stew's flavor profile beautifully.
- → How long should the stew simmer for optimal tenderness?
Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- → What vegetables complement the smoky paprika flavor?
Carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and red bell pepper blend well, adding texture and sweetness that balance the smoky notes.
- → Are there any recommended serving suggestions?
This hearty stew pairs well with crusty bread or served over rice, garnished with fresh parsley for brightness.
- → How can seasoning be adjusted?
After cooking, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the stew’s flavor.