Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe
Hearty oven-braised beef stew with smoked paprika and a Cajun kick. Tips for browning, crock pot swaps, thickening, and low-sodium options.
I received the beef stew spices for Christmas after visiting The Spice House's Evanston shop and am having a great time trying them out in different ways.
This is the best beef stew recipe ever, YUM YUM! Even my spouse who doesn't always want to try new flavors is impressed. The smoked paprika made such a wonderful difference in our old standby beef stew!
Submitted by: Laurel Gifford from Keota, Iowa
Yield: 6 to 8
- Brown the beef and caramelize the onions and celery for deeper flavor before roasting.
- Smoked sweet paprika is the standout spice; finish seasoning with Cajun spice and granulated onion to taste.
- Roast covered at 350°F about 3 hours, or use a crock pot with longer cook time and small vegetable pieces.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef works best for this stew?
Use chuck roast or another well-marbled roast. Those cuts have connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking and gives tender, flavorful meat. Cube or thin-slice before browning.
Can I make this recipe in a crock pot?
Yes. To avoid crunchy potatoes and carrots, cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or par-cook the vegetables for 10 minutes before adding. You can also cut the vegetables smaller so they soften faster.
How do I thicken the stew if it is too thin?
Three options: stir 1/4 cup flour into the tomato sauce before adding, make a slurry of 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with cold water and add near the end, or simmer uncovered to reduce liquid and concentrate thickness.
How much smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning should I use?
Follow the recipe's 2 tablespoons smoked sweet paprika total, adding some while cooking the vegetables and more when you assemble the stew. Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, taste after an hour, and increase as desired for heat.
How can I make a low-sodium version?
Use unsalted tomato sauce, low-sodium or homemade beef broth, and a salt-free Cajun seasoning. Taste and add a small amount of salt only at the end if needed.
Why are my potatoes and carrots still crunchy after cooking?
They may be too large or the cooking time/temperature was too low. Cut potatoes and carrots into smaller, uniform pieces, or parboil them 8 to 10 minutes before adding. In a crock pot cook longer on low.
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes. Add fresh green beans earlier so they cook fully, or add frozen beans in the last 20 to 30 minutes to avoid overcooking. Canned beans can be added near the end just to heat through.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Cool and refrigerate in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of broth if the stew has thickened too much.
What cut of beef works best for this stew?
Use chuck roast or another well-marbled roast. Those cuts have connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking and gives tender, flavorful meat. Cube or thin-slice before browning.
Can I make this recipe in a crock pot?
Yes. To avoid crunchy potatoes and carrots, cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or par-cook the vegetables for 10 minutes before adding. You can also cut the vegetables smaller so they soften faster.
How do I thicken the stew if it is too thin?
Three options: stir 1/4 cup flour into the tomato sauce before adding, make a slurry of 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with cold water and add near the end, or simmer uncovered to reduce liquid and concentrate thickness.
How much smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning should I use?
Follow the recipe's 2 tablespoons smoked sweet paprika total, adding some while cooking the vegetables and more when you assemble the stew. Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, taste after an hour, and increase as desired for heat.
How can I make a low-sodium version?
Use unsalted tomato sauce, low-sodium or homemade beef broth, and a salt-free Cajun seasoning. Taste and add a small amount of salt only at the end if needed.
Why are my potatoes and carrots still crunchy after cooking?
They may be too large or the cooking time/temperature was too low. Cut potatoes and carrots into smaller, uniform pieces, or parboil them 8 to 10 minutes before adding. In a crock pot cook longer on low.
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes. Add fresh green beans earlier so they cook fully, or add frozen beans in the last 20 to 30 minutes to avoid overcooking. Canned beans can be added near the end just to heat through.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Cool and refrigerate in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of broth if the stew has thickened too much.
Spices to make my stew
Thanks for such a nice recipe of beef stew! I’ve tried to make it in my Redmond m90 nulti cooker, the meat was very tender