Oven Baked Beef Stew

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Oven-Baked Beef Stew

Introduction

Oven-Baked Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, a dish that warms the heart and fills the home with irresistible aromas. Unlike stovetop or slow-cooked versions, baking the stew in the oven creates an even, gentle heat that transforms tough cuts of beef into tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites. The vegetables soak up the rich, savory broth, and the flavors marry beautifully during the long, slow cook. Perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or when you want a make-ahead meal, this stew is rustic, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Stew

  • 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, halved (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

For the Sauce

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, for richness; can substitute more broth)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt (more to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions / Methods

Method 1: Classic Oven-Baked Stew

  1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Brown the Beef:
    • Pat beef cubes dry and toss with flour, salt, and pepper.
    • Heat oil in a Dutch oven (or large oven-safe pot) over medium-high heat.
    • Brown beef in batches until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics:
    • In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
    • Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze & Build Sauce:
    • Pour in wine (if using) and scrape browned bits from the pot.
    • Stir in broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, paprika, and mushrooms.
  5. Combine & Bake:
    • Return beef to the pot. Add potatoes. Stir everything together.
    • Cover tightly with a lid or foil.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 2½–3 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Final Touches:
    • Stir in peas 10 minutes before serving.
    • Discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve Hot: Garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread or biscuits.

Method 2: Oven Bag Version (Easy Clean-Up)

  1. Place beef, veggies, seasonings, and sauce ingredients into a large oven roasting bag.
  2. Shake to coat. Tie the bag and place in a roasting pan.
  3. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 2½ hours.
  4. Cut bag open carefully and serve.

Method 3: Casserole Dish Version

  1. Layer beef, vegetables, and sauce ingredients in a large baking dish.
  2. Cover tightly with foil.
  3. Bake 3 hours at 325°F (165°C), stirring halfway through.

History

Beef stew has ancient roots, with variations found in cultures worldwide. The oven-baked method became popular in Europe and America in the 19th century, when heavy cast-iron Dutch ovens allowed for long, slow cooking in household ovens. This technique was ideal for transforming inexpensive, tougher cuts of beef into luxurious, hearty meals that could feed large families. Today, oven-baked beef stew remains a symbol of homey, rustic cooking.

Benefits

  1. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals from meat and vegetables.
  2. Economical: Uses affordable cuts of beef, which become tender through slow cooking.
  3. Comforting: A warming, hearty meal for cold days.
  4. Customizable: Easily adjusted with seasonal veggies, herbs, or spices.
  5. Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Formation (Cooking Science)

  • Browning Meat: Creates caramelization (Maillard reaction), building depth of flavor.
  • Slow Oven Heat: Breaks down collagen in beef, transforming it into gelatin for a rich texture.
  • Vegetable Absorption: Carrots, potatoes, and celery absorb the savory broth, enhancing flavor.
  • Covered Cooking: Traps steam and keeps the stew moist and tender.

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Beef Stew is a rustic, timeless meal that nourishes body and soul. It combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth into a dish that is both comforting and filling. Whether served for Sunday dinner or a casual family night, it delivers warmth, flavor, and tradition in every bite.

Lovers of This Dish

  • Families: A wholesome, filling dinner.
  • Busy Home Cooks: Can be made ahead for busy weeks.
  • Cold Weather Fans: Perfect for winter comfort.
  • Traditional Food Lovers: Appreciate its old-fashioned cooking method.
  • Meat Lovers: Enjoy the richness of slow-baked beef.

Final Conclusion with Lovers

Loved by families, cherished by traditionalists, and adored by comfort-food seekers, Oven-Baked Beef Stew is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition passed from one generation to another. Its slow-cooked richness and rustic charm make it a dish that always brings people together around the table.

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