Hearty Christmas Eve Beef Stew 🍲✨

Embrace the cozy warmth of the season with this rich and hearty beef stew! Perfect for a festive gathering or a comforting family dinner, this dish is a delightful blend of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. With minimal prep and a slow, loving cook time, you can set it and forget it while you enjoy the holiday festivities. Serve with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal! 🍞❤️

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (28-ounce) can of stewed tomatoes, with juice
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 3 onions, chopped
• 3 1/2 tablespoons tapioca (for thickening)
• 2 beef bouillon cubes

Seasonings

• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 cup red wine

Final Touch

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) for a gentle, slow cooking experience.

2. In a Dutch oven, combine the diced beef, canned stewed tomatoes (with their juice), chopped celery, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and chopped onions.

3. Sprinkle in the tapioca, beef bouillon cubes, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Stir in the red wine for a depth of flavor.

💡 Tip: Using wine enhances the richness of the stew, but you can skip it for a non-alcoholic option. Just add more broth or water!

4. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in the preheated oven.

5. Let the stew bake for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become perfectly tender.

6. During the last half hour of cooking, stir in the thawed green peas for a pop of color and flavor.

⏰ Reminder: Check occasionally to ensure there's enough liquid. If it seems too dry, a splash of water or broth can help!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the stew hot, and consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
• Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute beef with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of bouillon for a delicious veggie version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!
• Herbaceous Delight: Toss in additional herbs like bay leaves or fresh parsley for an aromatic twist.
• High-Altitude Cooking: If you're at high altitude, consider increasing the oven temperature slightly for better cooking results.

Enjoy nurturing your loved ones with this comforting dish! 🌟