Rachel'S Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew infused with red wine, bacon, mushrooms, and onions, perfect for comforting family dinners and special gatherings with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon ⓘ
- 2 lb beef stew meat ⓘ
- 1 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1 strip orange peel
- 18 small white onions ⓘ
- 3/4 pound small mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 10 oz frozen peas ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, fry bacon until crisp. Push bacon bits to the side of the pan.
- Add stew meat to drippings in the pan and cook until well browned.
- Stir in water, wine, bouillon cubes, garlic, minced onion, salt, thyme, and orange peel.
- Heat to boiling, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours or until the meat is fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
- In a covered medium pan over high heat, cook small white onions in about 1 inch of boiling salted water for 10 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 5 more minutes; drain.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot as your cooking wine. If you don’t have bouillon cubes, you can substitute with homemade beef broth for richer flavor. To enhance the stew's texture, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water before adding it to the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Wild Rice With Vegetables, adding a nutritious and flavorful element to your plate. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the rich flavors of the stew nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rachel'S Beef Stew contains roughly 815 calories, with 21g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (134% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1866mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef stew meat with lamb or pork for different flavors. Just ensure the meat is suitable for slow cooking to achieve tenderness. Adjust cooking times as necessary since different meats may require slightly different simmering times.
What can I add to make the stew more vegetable-rich?
Feel free to add root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for extra sweetness and nutrition. You can also include diced potatoes or celery for added texture. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they are tender by the end of the cooking process.
How do I know when the beef is properly cooked?
The beef is properly cooked when it is fork-tender and easily shreds with a fork. This usually takes about two hours of simmering on low heat. If it still feels tough, continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, checking periodically for tenderness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).