Hearty Paula Deen Beef Stew Recipe Simmered to Perfection

Paula Deen’s beef stew transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that warms hungry souls on chilly evenings.

This classic recipe bursts with hearty, robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender meat chunks swim in a rich, velvety gravy that whispers comfort with every bite.

Simple ingredients blend into a symphony of taste that feels like a warm embrace from grandma’s kitchen.

No complicated techniques or fancy tools required—just pure, delicious simplicity.

Every spoonful carries the essence of home-cooked love, promising a meal that satisfies both hunger and heart.

Check out this soul-soothing stew and let its magic transport you to a world of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 354 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Paula Deen’s Beef Stew

• Stew Beef: Choose well-marbled, chuck cuts for maximum tenderness and rich flavor profiles.
• Vegetable Oil: Select high smoke-point oils like canola or sunflower for perfect searing.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Sugar, Black Pepper, Paprika, Allspice/Ground Cloves: Fresh, high-quality spices elevate the entire dish's complexity and depth.
• Bay Leaves: Look for whole, fragrant leaves without any discoloration or moisture.
• Garlic: Select firm, plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin for maximum pungency.
• Onion: Choose sweet varieties like Vidalia for balanced, mellow undertones.

• Carrots, Red Potatoes, Celery: Opt for firm, vibrant produce with smooth, unblemished surfaces to ensure peak freshness and optimal texture.

• Cornstarch, Water: Select pure, fine-grade cornstarch for silky, lump-free gravy consistency.

Tools You’ll Use to Make Beef Stew

• Large pot: Heavy-bottomed, perfect for even heat distribution and searing beef.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching the pot's surface.
• Cutting board: Sturdy workspace for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and meat cutting.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt, sugar, and spices.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending cornstarch and creating a silky gravy.
• Measuring cup: Helps measure water and liquid ingredients precisely.
• Colander: Optional for draining excess liquid if needed.

Simmering Instructions for Hearty Beef Stew

• Kickstart the Flavor Blast

Grab a large pot and heat up some oil until it sizzles. Toss in your beef chunks and dance them around until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This magical moment locks in all those mouthwatering flavors and creates a stunning caramelized exterior that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

• Build Your Flavor Symphony

Dive into the pot with a splash of Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, bay leaves, and sliced onions. Sprinkle in some salt, sugar, black pepper, and a whisper of paprika. Let everything mingle and simmer on low heat, creating a flavor party that’ll make your kitchen smell like culinary heaven. The slow cooking transforms tough meat into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

• Veggie Transformation

After the meat has become super tender, welcome a colorful parade of carrots, potatoes, and celery. Let these vibrant veggies join the flavor celebration, cooking until they’re perfectly soft and infused with all the delicious juices from the meat.

• Gravy Magic

Create a silky smooth gravy by mixing cornstarch with a bit of liquid from the pot. Pour this magical mixture back into your stew, stirring until it thickens into a luxurious, glossy sauce that hugs every single morsel. This final touch turns your humble stew into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Rich Tips and Substitutions for Stew

• Upgrade Your Beef Stew Experience: Expert Tips & Twists
• Boost Meat Tenderness: Marinate beef chunks in red wine or dark beer for 2-3 hours before cooking to break down tough muscle fibers and add incredible depth of flavor.
• Customize Vegetable Medley: Swap traditional vegetables with seasonal produce like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash to create exciting flavor variations and keep your stew feeling fresh and adventurous.
• Elevate Herb Game: Experiment with fresh herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or oregano during the simmering process to infuse complex herbal notes that transform your classic beef stew into a gourmet masterpiece.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stew a day in advance and let flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, knowing the taste will be even more rich and developed, making meal planning a breeze.

How to Serve Up a Bowl of Beef Stew

• Plate with Crusty Bread: Serve this hearty stew alongside thick slices of warm, crusty bread perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful gravy.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top to add a burst of fresh color and bright, zesty flavor that complements the deep beef tones.
• Pair with Creamy Side: Complement the stew with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the delicious gravy and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Wine Companion: Enhance the dining experience by pairing with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which beautifully matches the stew's deep, savory profile.

Saving and Reheating Your Stew Leftovers

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover beef stew into airtight containers, ensuring each portion is completely cooled before refrigeration. Properly sealed containers will keep your delicious meal fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen beef stew maintains excellent quality for up to 3 months, providing a convenient quick dinner option.
• Reheat with Care: Gently warm refrigerated stew in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew seems too thick, helping restore its original luscious texture.
• Prevent Food Waste: Keep track of storage dates by labeling containers with the preparation date. Always do a quick visual and smell check before reheating to ensure the stew remains safe and delicious for enjoying.

Hearty Paula Deen Beef Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s beef stew combines hearty beef chunks with root vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. Comfort and warmth fill each spoonful, making winter meals satisfying for families who crave classic Southern cooking.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 grams) stew beef
• 1 medium sliced onion
• 3 large sliced carrots
• 4 quartered red potatoes
• 3 ribs chopped celery
• 1 clove peeled garlic
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 cups (473 ml) water
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp (5 grams) salt
• 1 tsp (4 grams) sugar
• ½ tsp (1 gram) pepper
• ½ tsp (1 gram) paprika
• 1 dash ground cloves allspice
• 1 or 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsps (16 grams) cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Meat Searing: Warm vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef pieces methodically, creating a deep caramelized crust to intensify flavor complexity.
2. Flavor Infusion: Pour Worcestershire sauce and water over browned meat. Add whole garlic clove, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, black pepper, paprika, and allspice. Blend ingredients comprehensively, reduce heat to low, cover, and allow beef to tenderize gently for 90 minutes.
3. Vegetable Integration: Discard bay leaves and garlic clove. Introduce carrots, red potatoes, and celery into the stew. Restore lid and simmer for 35-45 minutes until vegetables reach optimal tenderness.
4. Gravy Refinement: Extract 2 cups of hot liquid from the pot. Whisk cornstarch with cool water until smooth. Gradually incorporate cornstarch mixture back into the stew, stirring consistently to create a glossy, rich sauce that envelops the tender ingredients.

Notes

• Searing Secrets: Brown meat thoroughly to lock in deep, complex flavors and create a caramelized exterior that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Low and Slow Magic: Cooking beef at low temperature for 90 minutes guarantees incredibly tender meat that practically melts in your mouth.
• Vegetable Timing Matters: Add root vegetables later to prevent overcooking, ensuring they remain perfectly textured and maintain their nutritional integrity.
• Gravy Perfection Technique: Whisk cornstarch with cold water separately to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that transforms the stew’s overall texture and appearance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 354
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 678 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg