This hearty Mississippi Beef Stew is packed with tender beef, colorful veggies, and a rich sauce that warms your soul. Perfect for chilly days when comfort food is a must!
I love how simple it is to make! Just throw everything in the pot and let it do its magic. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Bring on the bread for dipping! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Choose cuts like chuck or round, which become tender when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, sirloin works well too. Remember, well-marbled meat gives a richer flavor!
Vegetable Oil: I prefer vegetable oil for browning the meat, but you can also use canola or olive oil. For a richer taste, experiment with butter, but it has a lower smoke point.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic, but store-bought works too! For a lighter taste, use chicken broth or vegetable broth. You could even use wine for depth, just reduce it a bit first.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and celery are classic! You can substitute any root vegetables, like parsnips or turnips. If you have green beans or peas, they can add color toward the end of cooking.
Herbs & Spices: Thyme and paprika are lovely, but feel free to swap in Italian seasoning or cumin for a twist. Dried herbs are great, but fresh ones give an extra boost of flavor!
How Do I Properly Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor?
Brown beef thoroughly for a richer stew. Here’s how:
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; brown in batches to allow proper searing. Aim for about 3-4 minutes on each side for a nice crust.
- After browning, remove the beef and let the bits stuck at the bottom stay; they’ll add wonderful flavor to your stew.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding beef to prevent steaming.
These steps create a deep, umami flavor that enhances your Mississippi Beef Stew! Happy cooking!
Mississippi Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this delicious Mississippi Beef Stew will take about 20 minutes for prep and 1.5 to 2 hours for simmering. The total time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, but the hands-on time is much shorter since the stew cooks while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a large bowl, combine the beef stew meat with flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the meat is well coated with the flour mixture. This helps to brown the meat and thicken the stew later on.
2. Brown the Meat:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef meat in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown it on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. This process builds flavor in the stew!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, without cleaning it, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step adds another layer of flavor!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, making sure to scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits (that’s all flavor!). Then add in the carrots, potatoes, celery, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, rosemary (if using), and bay leaves. Stir everything to combine.
5. Let it Simmer:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. This slow cooking is key for a rich and hearty stew!
6. Final Touches:
Once done, remove the bay leaves, and taste your stew. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the warm stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Mississippi Beef Stew hot, and consider pairing it with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for the perfect meal. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your warming and hearty Mississippi Beef Stew!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is the traditional choice for its flavor and tenderness, you can also use sirloin, round, or even brisket if you prefer. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed, as some cuts may become tender more quickly than others.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Stew?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your stew with additional vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans. Just add hard vegetables like parsnips or rutabagas early in the cooking process, but wait until the last 20-30 minutes to add quicker cooking veggies like green beans.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for 2-3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer bags or containers, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, simply brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
