This hearty Mississippi Beef Stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors. It’s a great dish for warming up on a chilly day!
Once it’s simmered to perfection, you won’t be able to resist. I love serving it with warm bread to soak up all that delicious broth. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Stew Meat: This cut is great for stews because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using sirloin or even pork shoulder instead.
Vegetable Oil: You could use olive oil for a richer flavor, or even butter if you prefer a bit of creaminess in your cooking fat. It’s essential for browning the meat.
Beef Broth: If you want a lower-sodium option or are looking for a vegetarian alternative, vegetable broth works well too. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
Vegetables: For the carrots and potatoes, feel free to mix with parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist. Also, frozen mixed vegetables can save time!
Worcestershire Sauce: If you don’t have it on hand, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be a good substitute for that umami flavor.
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef in Your Stew?
Getting that melt-in-your-mouth beef requires a few steps. It’s all about the browning and simmering!
- Brown the beef in batches to ensure a good sear. This develops flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering process; low and slow is key. It allows the meat to break down, resulting in tenderness.
- Check for doneness by tasting; it should be fork-tender after an hour or so.
Remember, patience pays off in creating a hearty stew!
How to Make Mississippi Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced celery (about 2 stalks)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mississippi Beef Stew takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 2 to 2.5 hours of cooking time. You’ll spend some time browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, then let it simmer to develop those warm, comforting flavors. Perfect for a cozy day in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your beef chunks in batches, browning them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step really enhances the flavors of your stew!
3. Add the Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook in for about 1 minute. This helps to deepen the flavor base for your stew.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth along with the Worcestershire sauce. Then, add the dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well together.
5. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef starts to become tender. This is where the magic happens!
6. Add the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the hearty veggies! Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Cover again and continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender, about 30-40 minutes more.
7. Final Touches:
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll just need a quick heat through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the bay leaf from the pot and check the seasoning; adjust if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it hot with crusty bread or over your favorite rice for a comforting meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for the Stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its rich flavor and tenderness after cooking, you can also use cuts like brisket or round. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut’s tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. You could also use chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand, but it will give a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Mississippi Beef Stew?
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Can I Prepare This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! You can definitely make this stew in a slow cooker. After browning the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the additional ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method will also yield tender and delicious results!
