STOVE TOP DUTCH OVEN BEEF STEW RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pot (I use my 5qt cast iron dutch oven).
• Saute garlic and beef until beef is browned on all sides and some of the liquid, if any, has cooked down.
• Add onions and cook until translucent.
• You can add a little bacon grease or cooked crumbled bacon at this point if you like, for extra flavor.
• Add tomatoes, beef broth, V-8 juice, wine, red wine vinegar and seasonings; cover and simmer 1 hour.
• Add potatoes, peas and carrots and simmer 1/2 hour to 1 hour or until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
• In a small cup dissolve cornstarch in a little cold water and stir into stew to thicken.
• Taste and reseason as necessary; serve with biscuits or crusty homemade bread.

Steps:

• Heat a large Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat. Pour in enough oil to fill the pan about 1/4-inch deep. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, and add to the pan. Saute half the meat, uncovered, stirring only occasionally, until well-browned, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef. Discard the oil and wipe out the pan.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Return the pot to the stove and melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 1 minute more. Add the reserved beef and scatter the flour over the vegetable and beef mixture (enough to lightly coat) and cook stirring until lightly toasted. Add the water or broth, and bring to a simmer. Tie the parsley, thyme, and bay leaves together with a piece of kitchen twine and add the bundle to the pot. Season with 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook the meat until just tender, about 1 1/2 hours. (This can also be done on the stove at a low simmer.)
• Remove pot from the oven. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid with a spoon or ladle. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, and the tomatoes, and bring to a simmer on top of the stove. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens and the vegetables are tender, about 1 hour. Remove and discard the herb bundle. Stir in the vinegar and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Divide among bowls and serve immediately.
• Copyright 2003 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved