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Classic Cozy Hoover Stew

classic cozy hoover stew - featured image

A hearty and comforting beef stew perfect for cold days, featuring tender beef chuck, root vegetables, and a rich, smoky broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
  • 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and slice carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. (10 minutes)
  2. Place the beef cubes in a large bowl or zip bag, add the flour, and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When hot, add the beef in batches and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to a plate. (10-15 minutes)
  4. In the same pot, add diced onion and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and tomato paste; stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to release flavors.
  6. Return the beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and add bay leaves and thyme. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. (5 minutes)
  7. Simmer the stew gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add carrots and potatoes, cover, and continue simmering for another 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat beef dry before searing for better browning. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing beef. Add Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor. If stew is too thin, thicken with cornstarch slurry. Can be adapted for slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours after browning beef and sautéing veggies. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Optional garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, comfort food, hearty stew, classic stew, cozy meal, slow simmer, easy dinner