Description
A comforting and classic beef and mushroom stew featuring tender beef chuck, smoky pancetta, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, slow-braised to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 3.5 oz pancetta, roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
- 7 oz mushrooms, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2.5 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with a splash of cold water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
- Heat olive oil in a heavy pot and sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer beef to a bowl.
- In the same pot, cook pancetta until crisp. Remove and set aside with the beef.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery to the pot with salt, pepper, and optional brown sugar. Cook for about 10 minutes until soft.
- Stir in mushrooms and garlic, cooking briefly.
- Add balsamic vinegar and tomato paste, stirring to coat the vegetables.
- Pour in beef broth, return the beef and pancetta to the pot, and add rosemary and bay leaf.
- Cover the pot and braise in the oven for 90 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the stew thickens.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, do not rush the browning of the beef.
- Use fresh herbs for enhanced aroma.
- If the stew is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Allow the stew to rest for a few minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
- This Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Braising (Oven + Stovetop)
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, European Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx.)
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1210 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg