Hearty Grass-Fed Diced Beef Stew Recipe for Chilly Days

There’s nothing quite like a hearty stew on a chilly day, and if you’re looking to elevate your comfort food game, you’ve come to the right place! Using grass-fed diced beef from TJB, we’ll create a rich and flavourful stew that showcases the superior quality of this incredible meat. Grass-fed beef not only offers a delicious taste but also boasts numerous health benefits, making it the perfect choice for a nourishing meal.

Why Choose Grass-Fed Beef?

Grass-fed beef is gaining popularity among meat eaters in the UK, and for good reason. Here are a few compelling reasons to incorporate it into your diet:

Superior Flavour: Grass-fed beef is known for its rich, nuanced flavour profile. The diet of grass contributes to a more complex taste that elevates any dish.
Nutritional Benefits: Grass-fed beef is typically lower in fat and higher in beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E. It’s a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ethical Considerations: Choosing grass-fed beef often means supporting sustainable farming practices. Grass-fed farms prioritise animal welfare and environmentally friendly methods.
Better for the Environment: Grass-fed farming can contribute to healthier soil and ecosystems, making it a more sustainable choice compared to conventional methods.

Ingredients for Your Grass-Fed Diced Beef Stew

For the Stew:

500g of grass-fed diced beef from Thomas Joseph Butchery
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 large carrots, diced
2 sticks of celery, diced
500ml of beef stock
200ml of red wine (optional but recommended)
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon of plain flour (optional, for thickening)

For Serving:

Fresh crusty bread or mashed potatoes
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large, heavy-based pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, then remove it from the pot and set aside. This step is crucial as it develops a rich flavour base for your stew.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. The aromatic scents will start to fill your kitchen—there’s nothing quite like it!

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Once the vegetables are tender, return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the red wine (if using) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This is where a lot of the flavour resides, so don’t skip this step! Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the wine has reduced slightly.

Step 5: Add the Stock and Seasonings

Next, stir in the beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become.

Step 6: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the plain flour with a little cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew in the last 20 minutes of cooking. This will give your stew a lovely, velvety texture.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Once the beef is fork-tender, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Serve your grass-fed diced beef stew in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of colour. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop, or serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Conclusion

This grass-fed diced beef stew is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. Not only does it showcase the exceptional quality of the meat from TJB, but it also delivers on flavour and nutrition. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating this comforting dish. Your taste buds will thank you!

For more quality meat and delicious recipes, check out Thomas Joseph Butchery’s range of grass-fed beef and other local produce. Happy cooking!