This Mississippi Beef Stew is a cozy dish filled with tender beef, hearty veggies, and a delicious mix of seasonings. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
The best part? It cooks in one pot, so clean-up is easy. I enjoy serving it with some crusty bread to soak up all that tasty broth. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stews as it becomes tender when cooked slowly. If you want a leaner option, try using sirloin. However, you may miss that rich flavor and tenderness.
Baby Yellow Potatoes: These hold their shape well in stews and add creaminess. You can substitute with red potatoes or even diced sweet potatoes if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Tomato Paste: It adds a depth of flavor. For a fresher taste, you can use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, but reduce the beef broth slightly to maintain the stew’s consistency.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds umami and sweetness. If you don’t have it, a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can work too, though the flavor will vary a bit.
What’s the Best Way to Brown the Beef?
Browning the beef is a key step to developing flavor in your stew. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your pot or Dutch oven is hot before adding the olive oil. This helps create a nice sear.
- Brown the beef in batches. If you overcrowd the pot, the meat will steam instead of browning.
- Allow each piece of beef to sear without moving it around too much. This helps achieve a good caramelization.
Once all the beef is browned, it really boosts the stew’s flavor. Enjoy the aromas that fill your kitchen while you cook!
Mississippi Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 pound baby yellow potatoes, halved if large
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Mashed potatoes (for serving)
- Crusty bread (optional, for serving)
Time Needed:
This delicious Mississippi Beef Stew takes about 15 minutes for prep and approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of simmering to allow the meat to tenderize perfectly. Thus, you should set aside around 3 hours in total for cooking and enjoying this heartwarming meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown them on all sides, which will enhance the flavor of your stew. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrot chunks, and sliced celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Flavorings:
Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Let the mixture cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine the flavors well.
4. Return the Beef:
Now, add the browned beef back into the pot. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, and stir well to coat everything evenly. This will help to thicken the stew later.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Slowly pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, using a spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits that may have stuck during cooking.
6. Add the Potatoes:
Gently place the baby potatoes on top of the stew. Avoid stirring them in too much to prevent breaking them apart during cooking.
7. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours. You want the beef to be tender and the potatoes to be cooked through.
8. Final Seasoning:
After simmering, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve it Up:
Your Mississippi Beef Stew is now ready! Serve it piping hot with a generous spoonful over creamy mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.
10. Enjoy!
Savor each bite of this hearty stew, and consider enjoying it with some crusty bread on the side to soak up that delicious sauce. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day!
This stew is hearty, rich, and perfect for comforting meals on chilly days! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the beef overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold-water method by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Thicken the Stew If It’s Too Thin?
If your stew is thinner than you’d like, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken up nicely.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and cooking the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
How Do I Store Leftover Stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
