The ultimate beef stew guide: how to craft a rich and flavorful meal without vegetables

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed all year round. However, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy the hearty flavors of beef stew without the vegetables, this recipe is for you. This step-by-step guide will show you how to cook a delicious and satisfying beef stew without any vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides.
2. Add the onion and garlic: Once the meat is browned, add the onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, or until the tomato paste has darkened in color.
4. Deglaze the pan with red wine (optional): If desired, add the red wine to the pot and let it simmer for a few minutes, or until the wine has reduced by half.
5. Add the beef broth, water, and seasonings: Add the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
6. Thicken the stew (optional): If desired, you can thicken the stew by making a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Add the slurry to the stew and stir until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Serve the beef stew hot with your favorite sides.

Tips for Cooking Beef Stew Without Vegetables

• Use a good quality beef stew meat. The quality of the meat will make a big difference in the flavor of the stew. Look for meat that is well-marbled and has a deep red color.
• Brown the meat well. Browning the meat will help to develop flavor and create a rich color.
• Don’t overcook the stew. The meat should be tender but not fall-apart. Overcooking the stew will make it tough.
• Add some herbs and spices to taste. Herbs and spices can help to add flavor and depth to the stew. Some good options include thyme, oregano, rosemary, and bay leaf.
• Serve the stew with your favorite sides. Beef stew is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some good options include mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Variations on Beef Stew Without Vegetables

• Add some beans. Beans can add protein and fiber to the stew. Some good options include kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
• Add some mushrooms. Mushrooms can add a umami flavor to the stew. Some good options include cremini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms.
• Add some spices. Spices can help to add flavor and heat to the stew. Some good options include chili powder, cumin, or paprika.
• Make it a slow cooker stew. You can easily make this stew in a slow cooker. Just add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

What to Serve with Beef Stew Without Vegetables

Beef stew is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice
• Noodles
• Bread
• Salad

Final Thoughts:

This beef stew without vegetables is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a cold winter night. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give this beef stew a try.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
A: Yes, you can use ground beef instead of stew meat. However, the stew will not be as tender.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this stew?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables to this stew. Some good options include carrots, celery, and potatoes.

Q: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Just add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Can I freeze this stew?
A: Yes, you can freeze this stew. Just let it cool completely before freezing. The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I reheat this stew?
A: You can reheat this stew in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you are reheating in the microwave, be sure to cover the stew so that it does not dry out.