Description
Cheesy Beef Stew with Toasted Bread
Ingredients:
For the Stew:
1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cups beef broth
1 cup potatoes, cubed
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
4 slices of crusty bread
1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
Sear the Beef
:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
:
In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Simmer the Stew
:
Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Prepare the Bread
:
While the stew is simmering, toast the bread slices in a skillet or oven until golden and crispy.
Assemble and Melt Cheese
:
Preheat your oven broiler. Ladle the stew into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Garnish
:
Garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot. Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal!
Chef’s Tip
: For extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine before adding the broth!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure your beef stew meat is patted dry before seasoning and searing; this creates a flavorful fond. After removing the beef, add the diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for 6-8 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a full minute to caramelize it slightly. When adding the broth, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the pot bottom. Simmer with the lid slightly ajar to allow some reduction. The stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender.
Serving Suggestions
This rich stew is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. A bright, acidic green salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness beautifully. For a vegetable side, consider roasted asparagus or steamed green beans. If serving a crowd, the stew can be prepared through the simmering stage a day ahead, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight in the refrigerator.
How-to Summary
In summary: Sear seasoned beef and set aside. Sauté vegetables and tomato paste. Return beef, add broth, potatoes, and herbs, then simmer until tender. Top with toasted bread and cheese, then broil until melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh thyme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Yes. After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours. Add the bread and cheese step just before serving.
What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese? Mozzarella is a great melty alternative. For more flavor, try a blend of provolone and Parmesan, or shredded white cheddar.
How can I thicken the stew? If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the simmering stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze this stew? You can freeze the stew base (before adding the bread and cheese) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop before completing the final broiling step.
What cut of beef is best? Chuck roast, cut into cubes, is ideal. It has marbling that breaks down during long cooking, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the pot when searing the beef. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning, not steaming. Do not skip sautéing the tomato paste; this quick step develops a richer, less acidic flavor. Finally, do not rush the simmering time. The low, slow cook is essential for tenderizing the beef.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Stew with Toasted Bread transforms a classic comfort food into a show-stopping meal. The combination of savory, slow-simmered beef and vegetables with the crispy, cheesy bread topping is truly irresistible. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily master this hearty dish that is perfect for any cozy night in. Remember the chef’s tip about deglazing with red wine for an extra layer of sophistication. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!