Aileen's Hearty Oven Stew 🍲🌟

Warm up your nights with this comforting oven stew, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. It’s a simple yet hearty dish that brings together tender beef and fresh vegetables, simmering to perfection in a rich sauce. The addition of red wine adds a beautiful depth of flavor, making every bite a cozy delight! Consider serving it with crusty bread for dipping and savoring every last drop of the delicious broth! 🍞❤️

Ingredients

• Protein:

  • 2 lbs. stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Vegetables:

  • 2 cups diced onions
  • 2 cups potatoes (cut into chunks)
  • 2 cups sliced carrots
  • 1 can sliced mushrooms (drained)

• Seasoning:

  • 2 tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • 5 tbls. tapioca (for thickening)
  • 1 tsp. sugar

• Liquid:

  • 3 cups V-8 juice
  • 1 cup red wine (optional for depth)

Instructions

1. Mix it all together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the stew beef, onions, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, salt, pepper, tapioca, sugar, V-8 juice, and red wine. Make sure everything is well coated.

   👩‍🍳 For a richer flavor, consider searing the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the mix. That extra caramelization makes a noticeable difference!

2. Bake it up: Transfer the mixture into a large, covered baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 275°F for about 5 hours, or you can choose to bake at 250°F for 6 to 7 hours. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

   ⏰ The longer you bake, the more tender the beef will become. Just make sure it’s covered to retain moisture!

Tips for Success

• Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep!
• Freezing leftovers: Portion out any leftovers in airtight containers to freeze for a quick meal later. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations

• Vegetable overload: Want to add more veggies? Toss in some peas or green beans during the last hour of cooking for added color and nutrition. 🌽🥕
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
• Herbed delight: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Just add them during the last hour of cooking to keep their essence vibrant.

Enjoy your warm, hearty stew, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! 🥘💖