Secret Ingredient Beef Stew
Warm up your kitchen with the heartiest and most flavorful "Secret Ingredient Beef Stew." This comforting classic takes a delectable twist with an unexpected addition of unsweetened cocoa powder, which adds a subtle richness and depth to the stew's savory profile. Tender chunks of beef chuck are browned to perfection and simmered alongside vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes in a rich, aromatic broth infused with thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and the unique cocoa touch. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping, this one-pot wonder is simmered low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth beef and a savory, complex flavor you'll crave all year long. Serve it with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience. Ideal for slow-cooking enthusiasts and lovers of hearty, unique beef stew recipes, this dish is bound to become your new go-to for chilly evenings!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 0.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 celery stalks, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (secret ingredient)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the beef cubes and toss to coat evenly.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, and transfer them to a plate. Do not overcrowd the pot.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften them.
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste. Add the bay leaves, thyme sprigs, Worcestershire sauce, and the secret ingredient: cocoa powder. Mix well to incorporate.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well-developed.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and cook until heated through.
Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.
Serve the beef stew hot with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3190 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 212.9 g | 273% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.3 g | 392% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 680 mg | 227% | |
| Sodium | 9701 mg | 422% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 137.2 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.4 g | 105% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.4 g | ||
| Protein | 198.1 g | 396% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 526 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 35.7 mg | 198% | |
| Potassium | 6461 mg | 137% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
