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Beef stew reinvented: how rutabaga elevates every bite

Emily Chen is the food blogger and recipe developer behind Cookindocs.com. With a lifelong passion for food, she enjoys creating easy and delicious recipes for home cooks to enjoy. Whether testing new ingredients or perfecting family favorites, Emily finds joy in cooking dishes from around the world.

What To Know

  • Whether you’re looking for a winter warmer or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this beef stew with rutabaga is sure to hit the spot.
  • If desired, remove the beef and vegetables from the pot and whisk in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water.
  • Stir in a cup of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a richer and creamier gravy.

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a hearty beef stew recipe with rutabaga. This classic dish combines tender beef, earthy root vegetables, and a rich gravy to create a cozy and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a winter warmer or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this beef stew with rutabaga is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper and add them to the pot. Brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Stir in the red wine (if using) and let it simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the Liquids and Spices: Pour in the beef broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Return the Beef: Add the browned beef back to the pot.
6. Add the Rutabaga and Vegetables: Stir in the rutabaga, carrots, celery, and potatoes.
7. Simmer: Cover and simmer on low heat until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
8. Thicken the Gravy: If desired, remove the beef and vegetables from the pot and whisk in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened, about 1 minute.
9. Serve: Return the beef and vegetables to the pot and serve hot with your favorite crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use a dark beer instead of red wine.
  • Add other root vegetables to your stew, such as parsnips or turnips.
  • If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a large stockpot or slow cooker.
  • If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Variations:

  • Spicy Beef Stew: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the pot for a little heat.
  • Creamy Beef Stew: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a richer and creamier gravy.
  • Mushroom Beef Stew: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic for an earthy flavor.

Health Benefits of Rutabaga:

Rutabaga is a nutritious root vegetable that adds a sweet and earthy flavor to this beef stew. It’s a good source of:

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin A
  • Potassium
  • Fiber

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this hearty beef stew with rutabaga alongside:

  • Crusty bread or cornbread
  • Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
  • A side salad or coleslaw

The Bottom Line:

This beef stew recipe with rutabaga is a timeless classic that will warm your body and soul. With its tender beef, earthy vegetables, and rich gravy, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a special gathering. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and savor the comforting flavors of this delicious stew.

What You Need to Learn

Q1: Can I use frozen beef in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just thaw it completely before browning.
Q2: How can I make my beef stew thicker?
A: You can thicken the gravy by adding a cornstarch slurry or by simmering the stew for a longer period of time.
Q3: What can I do if my beef stew is too salty?
A: If your stew is too salty, you can add a few peeled potatoes to absorb some of the salt.

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Emily Chen

Emily Chen is the food blogger and recipe developer behind Cookindocs.com. With a lifelong passion for food, she enjoys creating easy and delicious recipes for home cooks to enjoy. Whether testing new ingredients or perfecting family favorites, Emily finds joy in cooking dishes from around the world.

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