Fall weather is back momentarily in Texas. I’m not sure how long it will last this time before we have to get the shorts back out. I love making beef stew for the cooler Fall nights. Stew is great because you can use a really inexpensive cut of meat instead of spending a fortune per pound.
You know, those really chewy cuts that you’d never just toss on the grill because you may as well eat your shoe instead. You can get away with this because you cook the meat for a long time in liquid. The result is tender bits of beef in your stew and tender bits of bucks left in your wallet for spending elsewhere.
Braised Beef Stew
- 2 lbs stew meat
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced into strips
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 – 2 turnips, cubed
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp rosemary
- 1 bunch of greens from the turnips
In a large pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the beef and brown well on all sides. You’ll have to turn the beef pieces as they brown to make sure that you sear each side. Remove the beef when browned. I just scooped them up and placed them in the pot lid.
Reduce the heat to low and add the onion to the beef juices. Cook the onions for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add ½ cup of the beef broth and stir and scrape to remove the onion bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the carrots, turnips, garlic, rosemary, beef pieces and remaining broth.
Cover and simmer on low for about two hours until the beef is nice and tender. Slice the turnip greens into shreds and stir into the pot. Stir to mix the greens into the liquid and cook for about 5 minutes. Serve in bowls with a salad on the side for a great Fall meal. Makes about 6 servings.
You can easily spice this dish up if you like something spicier or even add in a half cup of red wine. If I’m making this recipe during the week, I brown the beef and get it started as soon as I get home. While it’s simmering for the 2 hours, I walk the dog, pay the bills, help with homework and all the other evening stuff. By the time I’m done, it’s done and dinner’s on.
What are some of your favorite Fall meals?
Speak Your Mind