If you’re craving something warm and hearty, Paula Deen’s beef stew will fit the bill! It does for my family!
This classic dish features tender chunks of beef simmered with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, all brought together with rich seasonings.
A touch of Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves adds a complex depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Remember to brown the meat thoroughly before simmering – this locks in flavor and adds a delicious richness to the stew.
How to Make Paula Deen Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef Stew Meat
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 4 Carrots (sliced)
- 4 Potatoes (cubed)
- 2 Celery Stalks (sliced)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
First, you’ll want to brown the beef.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add the beef, and sear until brown on all sides.
Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2:
In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and golden, typically for about 2-3 minutes.
This builds a solid base flavor.
Step 3:
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and tomato paste.
Mix it well and continue to cook until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4:
Add the reserved beef back into the pot along with salt, pepper, paprika, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
Stir it together, cover, and bring to a light simmer.
Step 5:
Let the stew simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Make sure to check occasionally and stir to avoid sticking.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Browning the Beef:
Spend some time browning the beef properly as it adds a depth of flavor to the stew you can’t get otherwise.
This step helps lock in the juices beautifully.
Fresh Vegetables Are Key:
Whenever possible, go for fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones.
Fresh produce will add a superior texture and flavor to your stew that makes all the difference.
Simmer with Care:
Keep the stew simmering gently over low heat rather than boiling.
A slow cook helps tenderize the beef and meld the flavors for a more delicious stew.
Time-Saving Tip:
Cut your veggies the day before and store them in the refrigerator.
This makes it easy to just toss them in when you’re ready to cook and stay organized during the process!
What to Serve with Paula Deen Beef Stew
Fresh Green Salad
A fresh green salad provides a light, crisp contrast to the rich, hearty flavors of beef stew.
You might consider mixing greens like arugula or spinach with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
The salad’s crunch and acidity balance the stew’s warmth perfectly!
Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing more comforting than serving beef stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
The mashed potatoes soak up the delicious broth and add a smooth, fluffy texture to each bite.
It’s a classic pairing that’s hard to resist.
Buttered Bread
A slice of warm, buttered bread is perfect for dipping into beef stew.
You can use baguettes, sourdough, or even a crusty rye to mop up every last bit of savory sauce.
This simple addition makes the meal even more satisfying.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re looking to mix things up, roasted Brussels sprouts make a great side dish.
Their nutty flavor and crispy texture offer something different alongside the stew.
Just roast them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a tasty complement.
Parmesan Polenta
Creamy parmesan polenta can bring a unique twist when served with beef stew.
Its cheesy, buttery taste pairs smoothly with the stew’s bold flavors.
This combination is sure to surprise and satisfy those at your table.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Sauteed mushrooms are another unexpected but delicious option to serve alongside beef stew.
When seasoned and cooked until tender, they add a rich, earthy taste that enhances the overall dining experience.
It’s a side dish that lovers of mushrooms might relish with every bite.
Variations and Substitutions
You can put your own twist on Paula Deen’s beef stew by trying out different vegetables!
Instead of just carrots and potatoes, consider adding parsnips or sweet potatoes for a change.
Adding mushrooms can create a wonderful earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef.
Swapping Protein
For those looking to switch things up, try using chicken or lamb instead of beef.
These proteins can add a different complexity to the stew while still keeping it hearty and filling.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, firm tofu or tempeh can be excellent choices.
Changing the Spices
Experimenting with spices can also transform your stew.
Some cooks enjoy adding a touch of cumin or even curry powder for a more exotic flavor.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added at the end for a fragrant touch.
Adjusting the Liquids
Using red wine or dark beer in place of part of the beef broth can deepen the flavors.
A splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce can add a tangy element that provides balance.
How to Store Leftover Paula Deen Beef Stew
Cool Before Storing
Allow the leftover Paula Deen beef stew to cool down to room temperature before storing.
This step helps maintain the stew’s taste and texture when reheated.
It also prevents steam from building up inside your storage container.
Refrigeration Tips
Transfer the cooled beef stew into an airtight container.
You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
This is perfect if you plan to enjoy it sooner rather than later!
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, place the beef stew in a freezer-safe container.
Leave a little space at the top of the container since the stew will expand when frozen.
Label the container with the date, and it can last up to three months in the freezer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Sear
You might be tempted to skip searing the beef and toss it right into the pot.
Searing locks in flavor and creates a nice crust on the meat.
Using Lean Meat
Leaner cuts like sirloin can become tough, chewy, and not very pleasant in a stew.
Choose cuts with fat like chuck roast for juicy, tender bites.
Cooking at High Heat
Don’t rush the cooking process with high heat, which will toughen your beef.
A slow simmer allows the flavors to mingle and the beef to tenderize beautifully.
Paula Deen Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef Stew Meat
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 4 Carrots sliced
- 4 Potatoes cubed
- 2 Celery Stalks sliced
Instructions
- First, you'll want to brown the beef.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add the beef, and sear until brown on all sides.
- Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until they're fragrant and golden, typically for about 2-3 minutes.
- This builds a solid base flavor.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and tomato paste.
- Mix it well and continue to cook until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the reserved beef back into the pot along with salt, pepper, paprika, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
- Stir it together, cover, and bring to a light simmer.
- Let the stew simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Make sure to check occasionally and stir to avoid sticking.