Spanish beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish. It's a classic recipe that is packed with robust flavors from the beef, vegetables, and unique blend of spices. This stew is perfect for a family dinner on a cold day or whenever you need a satisfying, homemade meal.
The unique ingredient in this recipe is Spanish paprika, also known as pimenton. It's a type of smoked paprika that brings a deep, smoky flavor to dishes. It's quintessential in Spanish cooking and can be found in most supermarkets or online. Another ingredient you might not have is green olives, which add a touch of brininess to the stew.
Ingredients for the Hearty Spanish Beef Stew
Beef chuck roast: The main protein of the stew. Chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavourful.
Flour: Helps to thicken the stew.
Kosher salt and black pepper: For seasoning the beef.
Olive oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
Yellow onion, Carrot, Green bell pepper, and Garlic: These veggies add depth of flavor to the stew.
Spanish paprika: Adds a unique smoky flavor.
Dried oregano and Bay leaves: Add a touch of earthiness.
Diced tomatoes, Crushed tomatoes, and Tomato paste: Create a rich tomato base for the stew.
Green olives: Add a touch of brininess to the stew.
Green peas: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
One reader, Chiquia Wang says:
This Spanish beef stew recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and the meat is so tender. The combination of olives and peas adds a unique twist. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a cozy family dinner. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Making Spanish Beef Stew
How to brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over high heat and cook the beef on all sides until well browned. This will help develop rich flavor in the stew.
How to sauté the vegetables: After browning the beef, lower the heat to medium and add in the onions, carrots, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and aromatic, which will enhance the overall flavor of the stew.
How to cook in the oven: Once all the ingredients are combined in the Dutch oven, cover it and cook in the preheated oven for 2 to 2½ hours. This slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
How to add the peas and olives: After the stew has cooked for the initial time, remove it from the oven and stir in the green peas and green olives. This will add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to the dish.
How to serve: Once the stew is done, remove it from the oven, give it a final stir, and then serve it hot. Enjoy the delicious Spanish beef stew!
Recently, my relatives came to town for a visit, so I figured, what better way to impress them than with a homemade Spanish beef stew? Made with the use of an oven, this Spanish style beef stew is different from any regular traditional beef stew recipe I’ve cooked before. It has a distinct rustic and savory taste that only comes from the flavorful combination of herbs and spices. In other words, this Spanish stew doesn’t just rely on the meat and tomato sauce for flavor, but also on the sofrito that enriches the whole Spanish stew dish.
The sofrito is one of the key ingredients to making this dish a hearty meal. Besides browning the meat and finishing it in the oven, this dish makes use of herbs and spices as well. Sofrito is basically a combination of aromatic vegetables and herbs that are sauteed in oil, and then used to flavor the stew. The diced onion, tomatoes, green bell peppers, and minced garlic cloves are mixed together with the Spanish paprika, oregano, and bay leaves to create a savory and slightly smoky flavored beef stew.
Other people would include white wine, red wine, or dry sherry wine, but I personally prefer the flavors that come with the herbs and seasonings. Moreover, these spices make for a more authentic Spanish beef stew. I also added diced potatoes into the stew so it’s even heartier and delicious. It’s best to use waxy, red-skinned, or fingerling potatoes that won’t break down when cooked in the stew.
While the dish was baking in the oven, I also made an arroz con gandules (or Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas) to serve alongside this delicious Spanish beef stew. You can eat it with plain rice, but I wanted an authentic Latin American food experience so I made this famous Puerto Rican rice dish to pair. And, let me tell you, the Spanish beef stew tastes amazing with the earthy flavor of the rice dish. I had a delicious time eating this meal, and you can recreate it too even if you don’t have an oven at hand. This Spanish beef stew recipe is also pressure cooker or instant pot friendly!
How To Make How To Make Spanish Beef Stew
Prepare a flavorful comfort meal with this Spanish beef stew made with chuck roast, then slow-cooked with tomatoes, bell pepper, and spices.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3lbsbeef chuck roast,cut into 2-inch cubes
- 3tbspflour
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspcoarse ground black pepper
- 3tbspolive oil
- 1yellow onion,chopped
- 2carrot,peeled and cut into ½-inch thick coins
- 1green bell pepper,cut into ½-inch cubes
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tbspSpanish paprika
- 1tspdried oregano
- 2bay leaves
- 3medium-sized waxy potatoes,diced or roughly chopped
- 28ozdiced tomatoes
- 15ozcrushed tomatoes
- ⅓cuptomato paste
- ½cupgreen olives,sliced
- 1cupgreen peas
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.
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Heat oil in a large dutch oven on high heat and cook the beef on all sides until well browned, then remove from the pan.
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Lower heat to medium, add in the onions and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until translucent.
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Add in the carrots, bell pepper, and garlic and stir well.
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Add in the paprika, oregano, bay leaves, diced tomatoes, crushed tomato, tomato paste, and beef. Stir well.
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Cook, covered in the oven, for 2 to 2½ hours.
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Remove from the oven, add peas and olives, and stir well.
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Place back in the oven for 15 minutes.
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Remove from oven. Stir and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 431.81kcal
- Protein: 41.81g
- Cholesterol: 108.86mg
Elevate Your Spanish Beef Stew with This Technique Tip
When browning the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This could cause the meat to steam rather than sear, preventing that rich, caramelized flavor from developing. It's better to brown the meat in batches if necessary. Also, using a dutch oven is ideal for this recipe as it conducts heat evenly and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Time-Saving Tips for Spanish Beef Stew Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Utilize a large Dutch oven for both browning the beef and simmering the stew, minimizing cleanup.
Slow cooker option: Consider using a slow cooker for a hands-off approach, allowing the flavors to meld while you attend to other tasks.
Freeze for later: Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient future meals.
Efficient chopping: Use a food processor to quickly chop onions, carrots, and bell peppers for a time-saving shortcut.
Quality ingredients: Opt for pre-diced tomatoes and pre-crushed tomatoes to save time on preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Spanish Beef Stew Recipe
beef chuck roast - Substitute with lamb shoulder: Lamb shoulder has a similar rich and flavorful taste that works well in stews, and it becomes tender when slow-cooked.
spanish paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar depth of flavor and smokiness to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
green olives - Substitute with kalamata olives: Kalamata olives provide a briny and slightly tangy flavor, which complements the stew and adds a unique twist.
green peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame offers a similar pop of color and texture, and it adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Spanish Beef Stew
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Spanish beef stew, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the stew and ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed for a balanced look.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. The vibrant green hues will provide a beautiful contrast against the rich, hearty stew.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the presentation, such as a delicate sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed marcona almonds. This will introduce a textural contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
Artful drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a high-quality extra virgin olive oil in a circular motion over the stew. This not only imparts a luxurious flavor but also adds a sophisticated touch to the plating.
Accompany with crusty bread: Serve the Spanish beef stew with a side of warm, artisanal bread. Consider toasting the bread and arranging it in a stylish manner on the plate to complement the stew.
Use elegant serving ware: Opt for refined, porcelain bowls or earthenware dishes to present the stew. The choice of serving ware can elevate the overall dining experience and showcase attention to detail.
Balance the colors: Pay attention to the color composition on the plate. Ensure that the stew is surrounded by vibrant, complementary hues, such as the green peas and olives, to create a visually striking presentation.
Attention to detail: Prior to serving, carefully wipe the edges of the bowl to remove any drips or spills. Attention to detail is crucial in presenting a dish that meets the standards of culinary professionals.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting Spanish Beef Stew
- Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for slow-cooking stews and braises.
- Olive oil: A flavorful and versatile cooking oil that adds richness to the dish.
- Chef's knife: Essential for cutting and preparing the beef, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and prepping ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure and add the right amount of spices and seasonings.
- Measuring cup: Essential for measuring liquids like tomato paste and broth.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing the stew as it cooks.
- Oven: Used for slow-cooking the stew to tenderize the beef and meld the flavors.
- Can opener: Necessary for opening canned ingredients like diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Tongs: Useful for turning and flipping the beef while browning.
- Serving spoon: Used for serving the finished stew.
Storing and Freezing Spanish Beef Stew: A Guide
Allow the spanish beef stew to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to freezer burn.
If you plan to freeze the stew, it's best to portion it out into individual serving sizes. This way, you can easily thaw and reheat only what you need without having to defrost the entire batch.
When using freezer bags, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing them tightly. You can use a straw to suck out the excess air or use a vacuum sealer for optimal results.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when the stew was frozen and what it contains.
To ensure the best quality, consume the frozen beef stew within 3 to 4 months. After this time, the stew will still be safe to eat but may experience some changes in texture and flavor.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen stew, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. You can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting, but be sure to stir it frequently to ensure even thawing.
Once thawed, reheat the stew in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir it frequently to prevent hot spots.
If you find that the thawed stew has separated or looks watery, you can easily fix this by giving it a good stir and allowing it to simmer for a few minutes on the stovetop until it reaches the desired consistency.
Leftover spanish beef stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
How To Reheat Leftover Spanish Beef Stew
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover spanish beef stew to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the stew is evenly reheated without burning or drying out. If the stew seems too thick, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover stew in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the stew and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the stew, as it can cause the beef to become tough and the vegetables to turn mushy.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover stew to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the stew is heated through. This method is particularly useful if you have a large quantity of leftover stew to reheat.
Slow cooker method: if you have a slow cooker or crockpot, you can use it to reheat your leftover spanish beef stew. Simply transfer the stew to the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it warm up for 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the stew while you're busy with other tasks.
Fascinating Fact About Spanish Beef Stew
The Spanish beef stew recipe is a traditional dish that originated in Spain and is known for its rich and flavorful taste. It is often made with a combination of beef, vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for cold weather and is often enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or rice. The addition of green olives and peas adds a unique twist to the stew, giving it a burst of flavor and texture. This recipe is a great way to experience the delicious and comforting flavors of Spanish cuisine.
Is Making Spanish Beef Stew at Home Cost-Effective?
This Spanish beef stew recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The combination of affordable ingredients like beef chuck roast, onions, carrots, and green peas makes it a budget-friendly option. The hearty nature of the stew also means it can feed a family of four at a reasonable cost. The approximate cost for the entire meal would be around $20, making it an economical choice for a satisfying and flavorful dinner. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is Spanish Beef Stew Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Spanish beef stew recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of beef chuck roast, which is a fatty cut of meat. While it adds flavor and tenderness to the stew, it also increases the overall fat content of the dish.
- The use of olive oil for browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables adds additional fat to the recipe.
- The recipe includes a considerable amount of tomato-based products, which can contribute to the overall acidity and sodium content of the stew.
However, the recipe does incorporate some healthy elements, such as the inclusion of vegetables like onions, carrots, bell peppers, and peas, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or round roast, to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
- Use a smaller amount of olive oil or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as avocado oil or coconut oil.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the stew to boost its nutritional value and fiber content. Consider adding more carrots, bell peppers, and peas, or introduce other nutrient-dense vegetables like celery, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
- Reduce the amount of tomato paste used in the recipe to lower the acidity and sodium content. Alternatively, you can use low-sodium or no-salt-added tomato products to minimize the dish's salt content.
- Serve the stew with a side of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal.
Editor's Take on This Delectable Spanish Beef Stew
This Spanish beef stew recipe is a delightful combination of tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich, flavorful spices. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a hearty and comforting dish. The addition of green olives and peas brings a unique twist to the stew, adding a burst of freshness and color. Overall, this recipe promises a satisfying and delicious meal that will surely impress your guests.
Enhance Your Spanish Beef Stew Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Spanish Beef Stew
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Spanish Beef Stew
Why trust this Spanish Beef Stew Recipe:
This Spanish beef stew recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that will satisfy your beef cravings. The combination of paprika and oregano adds a rich and aromatic depth to the stew, while the addition of green olives and peas provides a burst of freshness. The slow cooking process ensures that the beef chuck roast becomes tender and succulent, creating a truly comforting meal. Trust in the traditional Spanish flavors and the carefully selected ingredients to deliver an authentic and delicious dining experience.
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