Best Braised Beef Stew Recipes

BEEF & MUSHROOM BRAISED STEW

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. In an ovenproof Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat; brown beef in batches. Remove from pan., Add mushrooms and onions to pan; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in broth, wine, brandy, tomato paste and herbs. Return beef to pan. Bring to a boil., Bake, covered, 1 hour. In a small bowl, mix flour and water until smooth; gradually stir into stew. Bake, covered, 30 minutes longer or until stew is thickened and beef is tender. Skim fat. Serve stew with mashed potatoes. Freeze option: Freeze cooled stew in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary.

BO KHO (VIETNAMESE BRAISED BEEF STEW)

Steps:

• Make the marinade: Stir together fish sauce, sugar, ginger, 5-spice powder and pepper.
• Put beef in a large bowl, add marinade and massage into meat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer if time permits (may be wrapped and refrigerated overnight if desired).
• Put oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, fry the beef cubes in small batches, taking care not to crowd them, until nicely browned. When all beef is browned, return chunks to pot. Add shallots, stir to combine and continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes, or until softened.
• Add tomato, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, salt and annatto, if using, and stir well to coat, then add star anise, cinnamon and chile. Cover with 4 cups water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to a simmer, cover with lid ajar and cook for about 1 hour 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
• Add carrots to pot and cook 15 minutes more. Skim fat from surface of broth as necessary (or refrigerate overnight and remove congealed fat before reheating).
• To serve, ladle into individual bowls. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, mint and basil.

BRAISED BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot.
• Season the flour with salt and pepper.
• Coat the beef cubes in the flour mixture to coat, shaking off excess flour.
• Brown the beef very well on all sides, then remove to a plate.
• Add the garlic, onion, and chili flakes to the pot, cooking 3 or 4 minutes, until soft, adding more oil if necessary.
• Add the tomato paste; stir with the onion/garlic mixture for 2 minutes.
• Stir in the beef broth and wine to the cooked onions, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Add the beef back into the pot with, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper, and the Dijon mustard (if using).
• Mix well, and bring to a simmer.
• Simmer, uncovered on top of the stove, or in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 1 hour, or until the meat is fork-tender.
• Add the carrots and potatoes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook for 30 minutes more, or until veggies are tender.

WINTERTIME BRAISED BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Toss beef with flour and steak seasoning., In an ovenproof Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Brown beef in batches; remove with a slotted spoon., In same pan, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, parsnips and carrots; cook and stir until onion is tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes, wine, jelly, bay leaves, oregano and beef; bring to a boil., Bake, covered, 1-1/2 hours. Stir in beans; bake, covered, 30-40 minutes longer or until beef and vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves and oregano sprigs. If desired, sprinkle with parsley. Freeze option: Freeze cooled stew in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary.

OVEN-BRAISED GUINNESS BEEF STEW WITH HORSERADISH CREAM

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the beef and 2 tablespoons flour. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss to coat. In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high. Working in batches, add the beef and let it brown on two sides, about 2 minutes per side. Add a bit more oil if the meat sticks. (You can brown it on more than two sides if you have time, but browning it on two sides is enough to build flavor and texture.) Transfer the browned beef to a bowl or plate.
• Make the gravy: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add the garlic, dried shiitakes (if using), tomato paste, brown sugar, cocoa, onion powder, caraway seeds and espresso powder. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is fragrant and evenly combined, 1 to 2 minutes. (Reduce the heat to low or remove from the heat temporarily if the bottom of the pan threatens to burn.) Add the remaining 1/3 cup flour and cook, stirring and scraping constantly, until the mixture forms a thick, dry paste, about 1 minute. Add the beer and stock. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, whisking constantly to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it boil until smooth and thickened, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
• Add the beef and any juices, thyme, potatoes and root vegetables. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook until the beef and vegetables are tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
• Add the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Taste, and season with more salt, pepper and lemon juice if necessary. (If the stew tastes flat, add more lemon juice first, then more salt and pepper; acid is key to making it taste lively. It may need a surprising amount of salt, especially if you have used unsalted or low-salt stock.) Discard the thyme.
• Make the horseradish cream: Stir together the sour cream, horseradish and scallions in a small bowl. Season with salt. Serve stew in bowls with a spoonful of the horseradish cream on top.

BOEUF à LA NIçOISE: BRAISED BEEF STEW WITH RED WINE, TOMATO, OLIVES, AND BUTTERED NOODLES

Steps:

• Toss the beef in a large bowl with the cracked black pepper, 1 tablespoon thyme, the garlic, and the orange zest. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Take the meat out of the refrigerator 45 minutes before cooking. After 15 minutes, season it on all sides with 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons salt. Reserve the garlic and orange zest.
• Preheat the oven to 325°F.
• Heat a large Dutch oven over high heat for 3 minutes. Pour in 3 tablespoons olive oil and wait a minute or two, until the pan is very hot and almost smoking. Place the meat in the pan, being careful not to crowd it. (You will need to do this in batches.) Sear the meat until well browned on all sides. (This step is very important and should not be rushed; it will probably take 15 to 20 minutes.) As the batches of meat are browned, remove them to a baking sheet.
• Turn the heat down to medium and add the onion, fennel, and carrot. Stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up all the crusty bits left in the pan. Add the thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and the reserved garlic and orange zest. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables are caramelized.
• Add the crushed tomatoes and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables. Add the balsamic vinegar and reduce to a glaze. Pour in the red wine and reduce it by half (about 5 minutes). Add the beef stock and bring to a boil.
• Add the meat to the pot. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and a tight-fitting lid if you have one. Braise in the oven about 3 hours.
• While the meat is in the oven, cut the whole tomatoes in half lengthwise. Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil into a baking dish in which the tomatoes will fit snugly. Place the tomatoes in the dish, cut side up, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme. Roast the tomatoes in the same oven for 1 1/2 hours, until they are shriveled and slightly caramelized on top.
• To check the meat for doneness, carefully remove the lid and foil, being aware of the hot steam. Spoon a piece of meat out of the pan and press it with your thumb or a spoon. If it's done, it will yield easily and almost fall apart. If it's not super-tender, cover again and return the pot to the oven. When in doubt, taste it!
• Take the pan out of the oven and uncover completely. Using a ladle, skim off the fat that rises to the top.
• Turn the oven up to 400°F.
• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
• Ladle half the braising juices into a large sauté pan and add the olives. Return the meat to the oven for 15 minutes to caramelize.
• When the water boils, cook the pasta to al dente and drain. Transfer the noodles to the pan with the braising juices and olives. Over medium-low heat, toss the noodles in the juices to coat well and bring to a low simmer. Stir in the butter, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Quickly add the spinach and a cup chopped parsley, and toss for just 1 minute, until the spinach begins to wilt.
• Transfer the pasta to a large warm platter. Spoon the meat and its juices over the noodles. Tuck the roasted tomatoes in and around the noodles and meat. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons chopped parsley over the top.

RED CHILE BRAISED BEEF STEW OVER MASHED SWEET POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer at a low boil until tender all the way through when pierced with a sharp knife, 40 to 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and set seasoning mix aside.
• Coat the bottom of a large saute pan with oil and place over medium-high heat. Add beef to the hot oil and sprinkle with seasoning mix. Cook, stirring as needed, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Cook in batches if needed, to avoid overcrowding. Transfer beef to a plate and set aside.
• Add more oil to the pan if necessary and add onion. Cook and stir until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add broth, chile sauce, and tomato paste to the pan. Cook and stir until sauce is well combined and warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes more. Return beef to the pan, bring sauce to a low boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer stew for 1 hour.
• Drain sweet potatoes and allow to cool until safe to handle. Remove skins using a paper towel to pull them off and discard. Place sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl and add sour cream, butter, and salt. Beat using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Spoon individual portions of sweet potatoes onto serving plates and top with heaping spoonfuls of stew. Garnish with chopped green onions.

CHIPOTLE CARNE GUISADA (BEEF STEW MEAT BRAISED W/CHIPOTLE)

Steps:

• Season the beef stew meat with the cumin, salt and pepper. Set aside.
• In a large frying pan, heat oil and add the onions, bell pepper and tomatoes on medium high heat. Saute for about 5-7 mins or until translucent. Add the seasoned meat and brown (on High heat) for about 7-10 minutes.
• Add 2 cups of hot water to the pan. Add the bullion, chipotle sauce/pepper Sazon Goya and stir.
• Cover and cook on medium high heat for about 45 mins or until most of the liquid is absorbed then uncover and add 1 more cup of water. Cover and simmer for another 30 mins or until liquid is almost absorbed. Uncover and add another 1 cup of water and cilantro. Cover and simmer for 20-30 mins more. Turn heat off and let stand, covered, for another 10-15 mins for liquid to thicken. Serve with rice.

CHINESE BRAISED BEEF AND POTATO STEW

Steps:

• In a sauce pan that has a lid (you'll use it later), bring water to a boil, add meat, bring back to a boil, then turn off and let stand while you prepare the vegetables.
• Prepare ginger, garlic, and leek or onion.
• Discard water off the beef, and add enough boiling water to almost cover the meat, along with anise, ginger, and leek or onion.
• Heat an empty wok over high heat, add lard or oil, heat and swirl in pan, then add garlic and stir quickly for a moment until the fragrance rises from the oil. Then add soy sauce and bring to a boil.
• Add soy sauce mixture to the saucepan with the beef, cover the dish, and braise for an hour or more, stirring occasionally, and discarding water that has condensed under the lid.
• While the meat and vegetables cook, peel and cut up the carrots and potatoes.
• Twenty to forty minutes before serving, add the carrots and potatoes and salt and pepper. (At this point, you may wish to enhance the flavor with a pinch of five-spice powder or ground cloves.).
• When the potatoes are cooked through and the sauce is just starting to thicken naturally from the potato starch, the dish is prepared.
• In north China, this stew is served with thick, chewy, crusty flat bread. In the south, with rice. Garlic-stir-fried spinach or other greens makes an excellent accompaniment.
• This amount serves 2 people, but may serve up to eight or ten alongside an appropriate number of other dishes as part of a family-style Chinese meal.

ITALIAN STEW: WINE BRAISED BEEF OVER CREAMY POLENTA

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy Dutch oven over high heat. Add only enough beef to cover the bottom of the pan without crowding. Brown on all sides, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer beef to bowl using slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining beef, in batches, until all the beef is browned and transferred to a bowl. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and Italian parsley to Dutch oven and cook until onion is golden brown, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Stir in chopped garlic, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon and allspice. Return beef to Dutch oven and stir to coat with onion and spice mixture. Add red wine and bring to boil, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer mixture 15 minutes. Add beef stock and simmer 10 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juices, breaking up tomatoes with back of spoon. Mix in olives and rosemary. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until beef is tender, stirring occasionally, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Add bell peppers, cover and cook until just tender, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) POLENTA 9 c Water 1 1/2 tsp Salt 2 c Cornmeal Bring water and salt to boil in heavy large saucepan. Gradually whisk in cornmeal. Continue whisking until mixture boils and thickens, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Cook cornmeal until thick and thoroughly cooked, whisking occasionally, about 30 minutes. (Can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead. Transfer polenta to metal bowl. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Set bowl over large saucepan of barely-simmering water. Stir occasionally.) To Serve: Bring beef to simmer, stirring occasionally. Spoon polenta into shallow soup bowls. Spoon beef over.

SPRING HILL RANCH'S BRAISED BEEF STEW

Steps:

• 1. Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 325°.
• 2. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is crispy and all the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon and set it aside. Drain off all but 2 Tablespoons of the drippings.
• 3. Meanwhile, cut the chuck tender roast into 3/4"-to-1" cubes. Toss the cubes with the 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and the flour. Set them aside.
• 4. Add the olive oil to the remaining bacon drippings and raise the heat to high. In batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides, 60-90 seconds per side. Remove the browned cubes and set them aside.
• 5. Lower the heat to medium. Add the carrots, scallions and onions to the pan and cook them for 2 minutes. Splash in the wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful bits of fond. Add the broth, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and bring the pot to a boil. Add the browned beef cubes and any juices back to the pot; they should be almost completely submerged. Finally, add the cooked bacon, thyme and rosemary sprigs (whole) to the liquid.
• 6. Put on a lid and transfer the pot to the oven. Cook until the beef cubes are fork-tender, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Remove the pan from the oven. If the sauce has not thickened enough, stir in a slurry of 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch and 4 Tablespoons of cold water, then bring the pot back to a boil for about 2 minutes, stirring often. Allow the completed stew to sit for at least 20 minutes with the lid on before serving.
• 7. For each serving, arrange a couple scoops of stew over a bed of noodles, rice or cheese grits.

BEEF BROTH BRAISED BEEF STEW

Steps:

• I like to use a Dutch oven to make the stew, but a good sized pot with a thick bottom will do the trick.
• In a Dutch oven, over medium high heat add the oil and garlic, once it starts to brown the oil will be hot enough to add the beef. Remove the meat, after browning on all sides, and place to the side; add butter and allow to melt.
• Sauté the onions, carrots and celery until soft, add the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, thyme and red wine.
• Deglaze the pot making sure to get all the browned bits stuck to the bottom, these add flavor. Add beef, beef broth and bay leaves.
• Cover and bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Place in a 325F oven for 30 minutes, add potatoes, carrots and turnips. Gently incorporate into the stew, return to the oven for another 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes.
• If time permits, make the day before, letting you stew sit overnight, it will enhance the flavors.
• If you do not use red wine, add 2 cups extra broth.

FRENCH BRAISED BEEF STEW WITH GINGER (DAUBE DE JOUE DE BOEUF AU GINGEMBRE)

Steps:

• Roll each chunk of beef cheek in flour. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan on medium-high heat. Brown beef cheek chunks on all sides. Remove from pan. Add salt pork to pan and stir 1 minute. Add chopped onion and sliced carrots and cook gently on medium heat until slightly browned. Place meat over lardons, onion and carrots. Pour wine, add thyme, orange zest, celery and tomato paste as well as a little salt and pepper. Cover and simmer on very low heat for 3 hours. Add ginger and and white pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve with boiled potatoes or fettuccini.

BRAISED ITALIAN BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper.
• Place it in a wide, deep baking pan (like a turkey roaster).
• Preheat the broiler, and put the rack 4" from the heat, or enough room to allow for the pan.
• Put the meat under the broiler and leave the door ajar so the element stays lit.
• Broil for about 15 min, or until a deep brown.
• Turn it over, and broil for 5 min more.
• As the meat cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion, celery, and carrot.
• Increase the heat to high and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 min, or until softened. If the vegetables begin to burn or stick, turn the heat down.
• Add the garlic to the softened vegetables.
• Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally for another 3-4 minute.
• Scrape the softened vegetables into the pan with the browned meat.
• Add the wine (or beef broth), tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
• Heat oven to 300ºF.
• Cover the pan with foil, and crimp it tightly.
• Bake for 3 hours.
• Remove the pan from the oven, and remove the meat to a serving platter.
• Remove and discard the bay leaf from the sauce.
• Put the sauce into a blender (or use a hand held immersion blender) to blend the liquid and vegetables into a smooth sauce.
• Cover the meat with the sauce and serve.
• Serve with mashed potatoes. Leftovers freeze well.
• **NOTE: For a GREAT leftover dish. Shred the leftover roast in a skillet with the leftover sauce (like BBQ pork/beef) with two forks. It is easier to do when the roast is warmed. Serve this over the pasta of your choice, we like fettuccine.

TRADITIONAL BRAISED BEEF STEW

Steps:

• 1. 1. Heat oil in Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat until sizzling hot. Brown meat in 4 batches. Set beef aside; sprinkle with flour.
• 2. 2. Add garlic and onion to pot; cook 3 to 4 minutes until just softened, adding more oil if necessary. Stir in broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add reserved beef, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, thyme, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
• 3. 3. Simmer covered, on stove-top or in 325°F (160°C) oven for 1 hour until beef is fork tender. Add vegetables; cook 30 to 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove and discard bay leaf. Garnish each serving with some chopped parsley.
• 4. • Slow-cooker Version: After Step 2, transfer mixture with carrots and potatoes to 24-cup (6 L) slow-cooker. Cook, covered, on LOW for 8 hours.
• 5. • Beef Stew Provençial Version: Add 8 oz (250 g) button mushrooms when cooking garlic and onions. Substitute dry red wine for stock. Use thyme (as above) or substitute herbes de Provençe for thyme. Instead of potatoes and carrots, use 2 cups (500 mL) cut green beans and 1/2 cup (125 mL) black olives (pitted and halved).
• 6. View Original: http://www.beefinfo.org/Default.aspx?ID=10&SecID=4&RecipeID=1

HUNTER'S STEW WITH BRAISED BEEF AND WILD RICE

Steps:

• 1.Preheat the oven to 300°. In a large, heavy ovenproof saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Season the meat with salt and pepper and cook over high heat until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the beef to a plate and wipe out the saucepan. Add 2 cups of the beef stock and the Madeira to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Return the meat to the saucepan, cover and braise in the oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, turning occasionally, until tender. 2.Heat a large enameled cast-iron casserole or soup pot over high heat. Add the wild rice and cook, stirring, until it begins to pop, about 2 minutes. Add the onion, carrots and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the remaining 8 cups of stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to moderate, cover, and cook until the rice is tender, about 50 minutes. 3.Remove the meat from the braising liquid and let cool slightly, then shred it. Add the shredded meat and its braising liquid to the casserole and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the stew for 5 minutes, then ladle into bowls and serve.

BEER-BRAISED BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Season the beef with some salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until well-browned on all sides. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned. Add the beef broth, ale, soy sauce and bay leaf. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is starting to get tender and the liquid is slightly reduced, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Add the beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips and red potatoes, and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the meat and vegetables are tender, about 1 more hour. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

BRAISED BEEF AND PUMPKIN STEW

Steps:

• For the Stew:.
• Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
• In a large, heavy frying pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and add the beef and braise it until browned on all sides (about 8 min total).
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef to a plate.
• Pour off most of the fat from the pan, return to the medium-high heat and sauté the onion, thyme and bay leaves until the onion begins to brown (about 6 min).
• Add garlic and cinnamon stick, cook 1 additional minute.
• Pour in the wine and vinegar and stir to dislodge any flavorful browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
• Transfer the contents to a slow cooker with the meat, carrots, tomatoes and stock.
• Cover and cook on low setting for approx 5 hours.
• Add the pumpkin or squash chunks over the top of the beef, recover and continue to cook the stew for 3 more hours. The beef and pumpkin should be very tender.
• Remove and discard thyme sprigs, cinnamon stick and bay leaves, skim off the fat. Serve with polenta, couscous or wild rice. With the garnish (below) on top of the strew portion.
• For the Garnish:.
• Note: the ingredients listed above make only a very small amount, I tripled the ingredients above for my family and friend that was there to enjoy the meal!
• In a small bowl whisk the olive oil and vinegar together with some salt and pepper.
• Stir in the minced onion and mint.

BEEF ESSENTIALS: MILK BRAISED BEEF STEW

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. Chef's Note: Cooking with milk always presents its little problems. For example, the milk solids tend to separate and curdle during the cooking process. I've done two things to improve your chances of success. 1. We are going to pay very close attention to temperature. 2. I changed the traditional recipe from 100 percent milk to 75 percent milk, and 25 percent cream. The additional fat will help to stabilize the milk.
• 3. Gather your ingredients.
• 4. Place a rack in the bottom position, and set the oven to 320f (160c).
• 5. Toss the beef with a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper.
• 6. Add the oil to a heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat.
• 7. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides.
• 8. Chef's Note: Remove the beef and reserve.
• 9. Add the mushrooms and onions to the pan, and sauté until the mushrooms begin to brown, and the onions soften, about 8 - 10 minutes.
• 10. Chef's Note: You may need to add a bit more oil to the pot.
• 11. Chief's Tip: As the veggies are sautéing, season with a bit of salt and pepper.
• 12. Reduce the heat to medium low, and then return the beef to the pot.
• 13. Stir the beef with the veggies, and allow to cook for 4 - 6 minutes.
• 14. Slowly add the milk and cream to the pot.
• 15. Bring the mixture up to a light simmer.
• 16. Cover the pot, and place in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
• 17. After 1 hour, reduce the oven temperature to 250f (120c), partially uncover the pot, and bake for an additional hour.
• 18. Remove from the oven, and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
• 19. Chef's Tip: Do a final tasting, and season, if necessary.
• 20. PLATE/PRESENT
• 21. Serve with some yummy mash potatoes, or over pasta. Enjoy.
• 22. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

OVEN-BRAISED GUINNESS BEEF STEW WITH HORSERADISH CREAM RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the beef and 2 tablespoons flour. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss to coat. In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high. Working in batches, add the beef and let it brown on two sides, about 2 minutes per side. Add a bit more oil if the meat sticks. (You can brown it on more than two sides if you have time, but browning it on two sides is enough to build flavor and texture.) Transfer the browned beef to a bowl or plate. Make the gravy: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add the garlic, dried shiitakes (if using), tomato paste, brown sugar, cocoa, onion powder, caraway seeds and espresso powder. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is fragrant and evenly combined, 1 to 2 minutes. (Reduce the heat to low or remove from the heat temporarily if the bottom of the pan threatens to burn.) Add the remaining 1/3 cup flour and cook, stirring and scraping constantly, until the mixture forms a thick, dry paste, about 1 minute. Add the beer and stock. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, whisking constantly to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it boil until smooth and thickened, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Add the beef and any juices, thyme, potatoes and root vegetables. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook until the beef and vegetables are tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Add the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Taste, and season with more salt, pepper and lemon juice if necessary. (If the stew tastes flat, add more lemon juice first, then more salt and pepper; acid is key to making it taste lively. It may need a surprising amount of salt, especially if you have used unsalted or low-salt stock.) Discard the thyme. Make the horseradish cream: Stir together the sour cream, horseradish and scallions in a small bowl. Season with salt. Serve stew in bowls with a spoonful of the horseradish cream on top.