Stewed steak

Here’s a comforting and flavorful recipe for Stewed Steak. This dish features tender beef stew meat cooked in a rich, savory gravy with vegetables, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night. It’s simple to make and great served over mashed potatoes, rice, or bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or round steak works well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
• 1/2 cup water (for slurry)
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

1. Season the Meat: Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season it with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stew meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Carrots and Potatoes (optional): Stir in the carrots and potatoes (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

3. Make the Stew Base:

1. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir everything together, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
2. Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.

4. Thicken the Stew:

1. Make a Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup of water to create a slurry.
2. Add the Slurry: Gradually stir the slurry into the stew, making sure to combine it evenly. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce has thickened.

5. Final Adjustments:

• Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.
• Remove the bay leaf before serving.

6. Serve:

• Serve the stewed steak over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious gravy.

Enjoy this hearty and comforting Stewed Steak dish with your family or friends for a perfect meal on a chilly evening!