best beef stew recipe dutch oven
Introduction
Hey there! As a product reviewer, I’m excited to share my experience with using a Dutch oven to make one of my all-time favorite dishes: beef stew. If you’re not familiar with what a Dutch oven is, it’s a large, heavy cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid. Dutch ovens are known for their ability to evenly distribute heat, making them the perfect tool for slow-cooking hearty dishes like beef stew. In this article, I’ll be sharing my go-to beef stew recipe and tips on how to make it in a Dutch oven.
Ingredients
Let’s start with the ingredients you’ll need for this beef stew recipe:
Main ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups red wine
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional ingredients:
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of the beef stew. For instance, using a good quality beef chuck roast will result in tender and juicy meat. It’s important to use fresh vegetables and herbs, which will enhance the taste of the dish. When selecting your vegetables, look for firm and vibrant colors. Additionally, fresh herbs will have a stronger aroma and taste, so avoid using stale, expired herbs.
Preparation
Now that you have all of the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Season the beef
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the beef cubes, making sure all sides are coated evenly.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, making sure each side is browned before removing from the pot.
Step 3: Sauté the onions and garlic
Add the chopped onions and garlic to the Dutch oven and sauté until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the remaining ingredients
Add the beef broth, red wine, carrots, celery, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary to the Dutch oven. Make sure the meat is covered with liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Step 5: Optional ingredients
If you choose to use potatoes and peas, add them to the Dutch oven about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. This will ensure they are cooked to perfection.
Cooking
Cooking beef stew in a Dutch oven requires a bit of patience, but the results are worth it! Here are some tips to get the perfect stew:
Method 1: Oven cooking
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the Dutch oven, covered, in the oven and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender. This method creates a moist and tender stew with even heat distribution.
Method 2: Stovetop cooking
If you prefer stove top cooking, cook the stew over low heat, stirring occasionally. Make sure the lid is securely in place to prevent evaporation. The result is a hearty and flavorful stew with a thicker broth.
Monitoring the cooking process
It is important to monitor the cooking process to ensure the stew is not overcooked or undercooked. Test the meat by gently piercing it with a fork. If it slides in and out easily, the meat is ready. If not, continue cooking until it is fork-tender.
Serving
Now that your beef stew is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some presentation ideas:
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the beef stew in a bowl, topped with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley.
- Slice up some crusty bread and use it to soak up the delicious broth.
- Pair the beef stew with a side salad or some roasted vegetables.
Storing leftovers
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to restore the stew’s moisture and flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! My go-to beef stew recipe, perfect for making in a Dutch oven. This slow-cooked, one-pot meal is the perfect comfort food for those chilly nights. I believe this recipe is the best because it is the perfect balance of flavors and it’s easy to make. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments section. Don’t forget to check out other Dutch oven recipes on the blog!
List of 10 best beef stew recipe dutch oven
- 6-quart cast iron dutch oven pot for cooking and baking in the oven or on the stovetop; Oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Smooth enamel finish provides long-lasting durability and non-stick convenience
- Cast iron provides even heat distribution and retention; Hand wash only
- Dual side handles and fitted lid
- Roast meat, bake bread, marinate food, sauté vegetables, prepare soups, stews, casseroles, and more
- Contains 1- 3.5 Ounce resealable stand up bag of Squirrel Brand Sweet Brown Butter Cashews
- Our Sweet Brown Butter Cashews is a truly decadent treat. First, we brown the butter to bring out its nutty, toasted flavor
- Only the best gourmet cashews are then layered with a combination of the browned butter and rich sugar until a luscious, crunchy coating develops that yields an indulgently sweet masterpiece
- Our artisan nuts are perfect for entertaining and make great gifts, or treat yourself to exquisite and unique taste whenever the mood strikes. The possibilities are endless
- Squirrel Brand Nuts is the oldest and finest nut company and has been making small batch kettle crafted artisan nuts since 1888. Our gourmet nuts feature exquisite, mind blowing flavor combinations
- Perfect Gift for the Bread Baker: Your sourdough artisan bread making kit contains all the tools You need to bake delicious oven-fresh bread. Fill your home with love and warmth with a wholesome meal for family and friends
- Healthy Family Activity: Create lasting memories & new family traditions of baking together. This bread making kit helps you teach your kids the value of baking a healthy meal from ingredients that you choose
- Eco Friendly, Handmade Rattan Basket: Superbaking banneton proofing baskets are handmade traditionally from the highest grade material (natural grade-A Indonesian rattan), free of chemicals and with a splinter-free finish, making for a superior bread proofing bowl!
- Free Premium Content: Join the Superbaking community to get more help for your baking adventures. Make the best out of your baking supplies and showcase your baking art. Sourdough proofing basket round - big help in your baking
- The Superbaking Guarantee: 100% customer happiness or your money back. The baking set includes bread basket proofing, liner, scoring lame with protector and 5 blades, metal and plastic scrapers, dough whisk, cleaning brush and instructions
- Premium pure vanilla bean extract with a deep, rich taste and color
- Each batch blended for consistent flavor in every bottle
- A baker’s best friend — even balances meat and seafood dishes
- No corn syrup, gluten-free and Non-GMO
- Perfect addition to fruit cake, holiday cookies, apple pie and other holiday desserts
- REPLACES 14 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, steam oven, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, steamer, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and utensil.
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to transfer to the stovetop.
- OVEN SAFE TO 500°F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy top.
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING: 8.5-quart cooking capacity allows you to make chili for up to 20 people, 9 lbs. of spaghetti and meatballs, or enough pulled pork for 30 sliders.
- TRIPLE FUSION HEAT TECHNOLOGY: Cook up to 30% faster* than conventional ovens by combining bottom, side, and steam heat. More heat, more possibilities. *Tested on 6-lb chickens.
- 40 Servings
- 3,200 Calories
- Perfect for Food Storage, Emergencies, Survival, Camping, and Everyday Use!
- Certified Gluten-Free
- Up to a 25 Year Shelf Life!
- 217 servings
- 2, 170 calories
- Certified gluten-free & all natural
- Perfect for food storage, emergencies, survival, camping, and everyday use
- Up to a 25 year shelf life
- A flawless pairing of form and function that doesn't quit, the Lodge Dutch Oven is an enameled cast iron classic that's great for preparing and serving memorable meals.
- WHAT IS PORCELAIN ENAMEL ON CAST IRON. It is actually glass that becomes bonded to the cast iron at high temperatures. A particulate of glass, called frit, is applied to the cast iron vessel and then baked at temperatures between 1200 and 1400° F. The glass frit melts and fuses to the cast iron, forming a bond. Porcelain enamel on cast iron is heat tolerant and impervious to water and other consumables.
- MAKE EVERY MEAL A MEMORY. Lodge knows that cooking is about more than just the food; it’s about the memories. Use to marinate, refrigerate, cook, and serve
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. All Lodge seasoned cast iron and carbon steel cookware is proudly made in the USA, meaning you’ll get craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. Lodge Enameled Iron products are made in China to strict metallurgical and casting specifications.
- Receive 1 box of Simple Mills Almond Flour Banana Bread Mix. Real banana flavor from real, actual bananas. Real banana flavor from real, actual bananas. Great for fun and nutritious baking.
- Take a look at our nutritious baking mix ingredients. Nutrient dense, purposeful ingredient list for these delicious baking products from Simple Mills.
- See our reviews on your iPhone, iPad, Android, or laptop by scrolling down to see how other consumers rate our delicous taste!
- Nothing artificial, ever. Shelf stable snack that is perfect for stocking up the pantry and great way to gain energy and boost productivity
- Made With Simple Ingredients, Certified Gluten free, Non-GMO, Grain Free, Corn Free, Paleo Friendly, Plant Based
- McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple Seasoning adds a sweet, smoky finish to your signature BBQ recipes
- Features a mix of hickory smoke, brown sugar, orange peel and maple for familiar flavors and an attractive appearance
- Blended with chefs in mind, each 28-ounce seasoning is perfect for back-of-house usage and customizing recipes
- Adds an irresistible flavor and aroma to meat, poultry, seafood and vegetable dishes
- Kosher and made without added MSG for an authentic taste you can trust
People also ask
What is the Best Beef Stew Recipe for Dutch Oven?
There are many great beef stew recipes for Dutch ovens, but one that is highly recommended is the classic beef stew recipe. It is simple, easy to follow, and packed with amazing flavors. This recipe typically includes chunks of beef, vegetables, spices, and a few other key ingredients that are cooked to perfection over low heat.
What Ingredients are Required for Best Beef Stew Recipe in Dutch Oven?
The ingredients for the best beef stew recipe in Dutch oven typically include beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper. You may add other seasonings or vegetables to customize the recipe according to your taste and preference.
How Do I Make the Best Beef Stew in Dutch Oven?
To make the best beef stew in Dutch oven, follow these simple steps:
- Sear the beef in a Dutch oven over medium heat until browned on all sides.
- Add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes, and cook for a few minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the canned tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the Dutch oven and stir to combine.
- Cover the Dutch oven and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for Best Beef Stew Recipe?
Yes, you can use different cuts of beef for the best beef stew recipe, but it is recommended to use tougher cuts of meat such as chuck roast, stew meat, or brisket. These cuts are perfect for slow cooking and will become tender and flavorful when cooked in the Dutch oven for a prolonged period.
Can I Make Best Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker Instead of Dutch Oven?
Yes, you can make the best beef stew in a slow cooker instead of Dutch oven. Simply follow the same recipe but transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker instead of Dutch oven. Cook on low heat for at least 8 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.