Fall is creeping in here in Michigan and that leaves me wanting soups and stews. This stew is a little bit of work, all fairly basic, and well worth the effort. The end result is a delicious flavor packed stew that will warm you up and stay with you.
02Place Dutch oven on medium high heat and add 1.5 Tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Spread beef in an even layer on a plate or chopping board. Season evenly with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, garlic powder and paprika. Place half the beef in the Dutch oven and cook until browned on each side (usually 2-3 minutes per side). Remove beef from pot and place in a bowl. Add remaining olive oil and repeat cooking with remaining beef. Remove beef to bowl after browning.
03Add butter and mushrooms to the pot to cook, stirring occasionally until well browned (about 3 minutes). I like my mushrooms diced very fine so as not to see them when eating my stew but you can simply slice them if you like mushrooms. Add onions and cook until caramelized again about 3 minutes. Add celery (finely chopped) and carrots. Add garlic (I use the jar minced kind – or you can mince your own) and stir well. Sprinkle veggies with flour and cook for about 3 minutes. Add tomato paste, beef stock, and wine. Stir well. Place 3 whole springs of rosemary in mix. Add the cooked beef and all the juices back to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, partially cover pot (I just turn my lid a little crooked) and cook for a half hour stirring occasionally. Then add potatoes to the stew and simmer for an hour or so longer, until potatoes are very tender. Be sure to stir fairly often, scraping edges and bottom of the pot. Give stew a good stir and remove from heat. Remove rosemary stems and serve hot. Makes excellent leftovers and freezes well.
04Some people like to serve their stew over rice or noodles, if that is your preference, enjoy!