This savory beef stew with bacon recipe brings a delightful combination of hearty ingredients. Tender beef chunks, crispy bacon, and a rich broth make it perfect for a cozy dinner. The flavor profile is enhanced with onions, thyme, and tomato paste, while carrots and potatoes ensure a fulfilling meal.
All ingredients for this recipe are commonly available at local supermarkets. However, for the beef stew meat, it's recommended to choose a well-marbled cut like chuck or shoulder roast. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the stew. As for the bacon, standard strips work fine, but you can also opt for thick-cut if you prefer a meatier texture.
Ingredients for Beef Stew with Bacon
bacon: Adds a smoky, savory note to the stew.
beef stew meat: The main protein source, should be tender and well-marbled.
flour: Helps thicken the stew, giving it a hearty texture.
beef broth: Serves as the stew's flavorful base.
small potatoes: Adds heartiness and substance to the stew.
onion: Enhances the flavor profile of the stew.
dried thyme: Gives the stew a warm, earthy flavor.
tomato paste: Enhances the savory flavor and adds color to the stew.
carrots: Adds a hint of sweetness and enriches the stew's nutritional profile.
fresh parsley: Imparts a refreshing flavor and adds a pop of color.
One reader, Ellie Koss says:
This beef stew with bacon recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender beef, savory bacon, and hearty vegetables creates a rich and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. The bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor, and the meat is so tender it practically melts in your mouth. A definite must-try!
Cooking Techniques for Beef Stew with Bacon
How to brown the beef: Browning the beef stew meat in the pot before cooking it in the oven helps to develop rich, deep flavors in the stew.
How to cook the bacon: Cooking the bacon until crisp adds a smoky and savory flavor to the stew.
How to sauté the onions: Sautéing the onions until tender and lightly browned adds sweetness and depth to the stew.
How to thicken the stew: Adding flour and tomato paste to the pot helps to thicken the stew and create a rich, hearty texture.
How to bake the stew: Baking the stew in the oven allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender and succulent.
How to serve the stew: Serving the stew topped with remaining bacon and chopped parsley adds a fresh and vibrant finish to the dish.
How To Make Beef Stew with Bacon
Enjoy hearty bites of succulent beef, savory bacon, and tender potatoes, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, all in one meal with this loaded beef stew!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozbacon,coarsely chopped
- 2½lbsbeef stew meat
- ¼cupflour
- 4cupsbeef broth
- salt and pepper,to taste
- ½lbsmall potatoes,halved
- 1onion,diced
- 1tbspdried thyme
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 4carrots,halved, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2tbspfresh parsley,chopped
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Place a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
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Remove bacon from pot and drain on paper towels. Set bacon aside. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the pan.
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Season the beef generously with salt and pepper and add ½ of the meat to the bacon fat in the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until deep golden brown.
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Remove the beef from the pot and repeat the browning process with the remaining ½ of the meat. Remove the second batch of meat from the pot.
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Place the onion in the pot and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
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Return the meat to the pot. Add the flour and tomato paste, then cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the meat.
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Add the thyme and beef broth to the pot. Cover the pot and place it in the oven.
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Cook for 2 hours. After 2 hours, remove the pot from the oven and stir in the carrots, potatoes and half of the bacon.
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Return the pot to the oven and bake for an additional 1 hour.
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Serve, topped with remaining ½ of the bacon and chopped parsley, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 943.96kcal
- Fat: 25.74g
- Saturated Fat: 9.11g
- Trans Fat: 0.52g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.65g
- Carbohydrates: 113.03g
- Fiber: 6.60g
- Sugar: 5.37g
- Protein: 63.61g
- Cholesterol: 144.02mg
- Sodium: 1441.80mg
- Calcium: 101.55mg
- Potassium: 1618.78mg
- Iron: 7.44mg
- Vitamin A: 358.25µg
- Vitamin C: 14.47mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Beef Stew with Bacon
When browning the beef, avoid overcrowding the pot. This is because too much meat in the pot at once can cause the meat to steam rather than brown, which can affect the overall flavor of the stew. It's best to brown the meat in batches, as the recipe suggests, to ensure each piece gets a nice, flavorful sear.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Beef Stew with Bacon
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a slow cooker: Consider using a slow cooker for this recipe to allow the flavors to meld while saving time on active cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Beef Stew with Bacon Recipe
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is a cured Italian pork belly, similar to bacon but with a milder flavor. It will add a rich, savory taste to the stew.
beef stew meat - Substitute with lamb stew meat: Lamb stew meat can be used as a substitute for beef, providing a slightly gamier flavor and tender texture to the stew.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth to create a vegetarian version of the stew, while still providing a rich and flavorful base.
potatoes - Substitute with turnips: Turnips can be used as a lower-carb substitute for potatoes, adding a slightly peppery and sweet flavor to the stew.
thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme, providing a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the stew.
tomato paste - Substitute with red wine: Red wine can be used to add depth and richness to the stew, replacing the acidity and sweetness that tomato paste provides.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips can be used as a substitute for carrots, adding a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor to the stew.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a bright and citrusy flavor to the stew.
Presenting Your Delicious Beef Stew with Bacon
Elevate the plating: Present the beef stew in a shallow, wide bowl to showcase the rich colors and textures of the dish. This will allow the stew to be the focal point of the presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the stew with a generous amount of freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the stew with delicate, colorful edible flowers. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a subtle floral note to the dish.
Use high-quality dinnerware: Serve the beef stew in elegant porcelain bowls or copper pots to create a luxurious and sophisticated presentation that complements the richness of the dish.
Create a balanced composition: Arrange the potatoes, carrots, and tender beef pieces strategically in the bowl to create a visually appealing and balanced composition.
Accentuate with a drizzle: Before serving, drizzle a swirl of balsamic reduction around the edge of the bowl to add a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile and visual appeal of the dish.
Consider the placement of the bacon: Instead of simply sprinkling the bacon on top, consider weaving the crispy bacon into an elegant lattice or arranging it in a decorative pattern to add a touch of artistry to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Beef Stew
Large pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot is essential for cooking the stew. It allows for even heat distribution and ample space for the ingredients to simmer.
Paper towels: Paper towels are used to drain the cooked bacon, helping to remove excess grease and ensuring a crispy texture.
Oven: The oven is used to slow-cook the beef stew, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Stove: The stove is used for various cooking processes, including browning the meat and sautéing the onions.
Tongs: Tongs are handy for flipping and removing the meat from the pot, ensuring it browns evenly and preventing any splattering.
Chopping board: A chopping board provides a stable surface for preparing the vegetables and bacon, and helps to keep the kitchen tidy.
Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is essential for cutting the vegetables, bacon, and meat with precision and ease.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately portion the flour and other liquids, ensuring the right balance of ingredients.
Oven-safe pot with lid: An oven-safe pot with a lid is necessary for slow-cooking the stew in the oven, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is used for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the ingredients cook evenly and preventing any sticking or burning.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Beef Stew
Let the beef stew cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This will prevent condensation from forming and minimize the risk of freezer burn.
If you plan to freeze the stew, consider using a container that is suitable for both freezing and reheating. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids or freezer-safe plastic containers work well.
When storing the stew in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 4 days. Make sure to place the container in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the back.
To freeze the stew, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when it was frozen.
Beef stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. After that, the quality may start to deteriorate, and the flavors might become less pronounced.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen stew, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Reheat the thawed stew in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. You may need to add a little extra beef broth or water if the stew has thickened too much during storage.
If you want to freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals, consider using smaller containers or freezer bags. This way, you can thaw and reheat only what you need, reducing waste and saving time.
How To Reheat Leftover Beef Stew with Bacon
- When reheating leftover beef stew, it's important to do so gently to avoid overcooking the meat and vegetables. The best method is to reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
- If you're short on time, you can also reheat the stew in the microwave. Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
- Another option is to reheat the stew in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the stew to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat it for about 20-30 minutes, or until it's heated through.
- Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. You may find that the flavors have mellowed overnight, so you might need to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or other seasonings to brighten it up.
- If the stew seems a bit dry after reheating, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to help loosen it up and restore its original consistency.
- For an extra touch of flavor and texture, you can garnish the reheated stew with some freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Beef Stew with Bacon
Beef stew with bacon is a hearty dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of beef, bacon, and vegetables creates a rich and flavorful stew that is perfect for a comforting meal.
Is Making Beef Stew with Bacon Cost-Effective?
This beef stew with bacon recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The combination of beef, bacon, and vegetables may be slightly pricier, but the hearty portions and rich flavors justify the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $35-$40. The dish's versatility and ability to feed a family make it a worthwhile investment. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Beef Stew with Bacon Healthy or Unhealthy?
This beef stew recipe, while hearty and flavorful, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients and cooking methods:
- The use of bacon adds significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium to the dish.
- Browning the beef in the bacon fat further increases the saturated fat content.
- The recipe does not specify lean cuts of beef, which could result in a higher overall fat content.
- The potatoes and flour contribute to a higher carbohydrate content, which may not be ideal for those following low-carb diets.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as:
- The incorporation of carrots and onions provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Beef is a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
- The use of beef broth adds flavor without relying heavily on added sugars or excessive salt.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Opt for a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or round, and trim any visible fat.
- Replace the bacon with a small amount of heart-healthy olive oil to brown the beef and sauté the onions.
- Reduce the amount of potatoes and replace some with additional carrots or other low-carb vegetables like celery or turnips.
- Use a low-sodium beef broth to control salt intake.
- Experiment with alternative thickening agents, such as arrowroot or cornstarch, instead of flour for a gluten-free option.
- Add more herbs and spices, like garlic, rosemary, or bay leaves, to enhance flavor without relying on salt.
Editor's Opinion on This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
The beef stew with bacon recipe is a classic comfort dish that combines the rich flavors of beef and bacon with hearty vegetables. The use of bacon adds a smoky depth to the stew, while the slow cooking process ensures tender, flavorful meat. The addition of thyme and parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous note, balancing the richness of the dish. Overall, this recipe is a delicious and satisfying option for a cozy family meal or a gathering with friends.
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Why trust this Beef Stew with Bacon Recipe:
This beef stew with bacon recipe offers a rich and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of beef stew meat and bacon provides a depth of flavor, while the addition of thyme and parsley enhances the aromatic profile. The use of beef broth ensures a savory base, and the inclusion of carrots and potatoes adds a delightful texture. The careful cooking process in the oven allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a delicious and satisfying stew that is sure to impress.
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