Ultimate Beef Stew

(from castro15’s recipe box)

Categories: Soup

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 oz. small-diced pancetta
  • 3 lbs. boneless short rubs, cut in 1 1/2-inch chunks (4.5 lbs on the bone)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Cognac or brandy
  • 1 cup hearty red wine, such as Chianti, divided
  • 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2)
  • 2 cups chopped fennel, trimmed and cored (1 large bulb)
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic (6 cloves)
  • 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, including the juices
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 lb. carrots, scrubbed and cut 1/2-inch thick diagonally
  • 1 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed, 1-inch diced
  • 10 oz. frozen peas

Directions

  1. eheat oven to 300.

  2. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until browned. With a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a plate lined with a paper towel and set aside.

  3. Meanwhile, season the short ribs all over with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Brown half the meat in the Dutch oven over medium heat, turning occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, until browned on all sides. Transfer the meat to a bowl and brown the second batch. Transfer the second batch to the bowl and set aside.

  4. Off the heat, add the Cognac and 1/2 cup of the wine to the pot, scraping up any browned bits, then simmer over medium heat for one minute. Add the onions and fennel and saute, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the garlic and cook for one minute.

  5. Stir the tomatoes and tomato paste into the vegetables. Add the remaining 2/3 cup wine, the beef broth, the seared meat (and juices), 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover and bake for 1 1/4 hours, checking occasionally to be sure the liquid is simmering.

  6. Degrease the stew, if necessary. Stir in the carrots and potatoes, cover and bake for one hour longer, until the veggies and meat are very tender when tested with a fork. Just before serving, stir in the peas and pancetta, taste for seasonings and serve hot in large, shallow bowls.

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