The Pioneer Woman’s Beef (uh Pork, no it’s beef) Stew with Beer (Wine) and Paprika

It’s been cold here for over a week now, but it’s supposed to start warming up next week. Just in case it does, I wanted to make beef stew while there was still a bit of chill in the air.

This recipe comes from The Pioneer Woman and was very, very good. It was simple to make — well, simple if you have the correct ingredients. When I went shopping I didn’t even notice I was in the “pork” section when I saw “stew meat” and grabbed a couple of packages. It wasn’t until I was trying to brown the meat and it wasn’t quite looking right — then I grabbed the package and saw it was pork. I wanted beef stew not pork stew. Luckily I was able to get my mother to get some for me so I could resume the dish.

It was very yummy indeed, with the correct meat. And no beer in the house so I used some red wine instead. Magnifique.

Beef Stew with Beer (Wine) and Paprika (Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman)

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Butter
1 1/2 pounds Stew Meat
1/2 Medium Onion, Diced
1/2 tsp minced Garlic
1 cup Red Wine
4 cups Beef Stock
2 cups Water ** (I put in the water but I would advise against adding this. Only add if you need it after simmering for 1 1/2-2 hrs.) **
1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 Heaping Tbsp Tomato Paste
½ tsp Paprika
½ tsp Kosher Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
4 whole Carrots, Washed, Unpeeled, And Roughly Sliced
4 whole New Potatoes, Quartered
Minced Parsley (optional)

Instructions:

Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown meat in two batches, setting aside on a plate when brown. Cut pieces in half. Set aside.
Add diced onions to the pot. Stir and cook for two or three minutes until softened then add garlic for another minute. Pour in wine, beef stock and water, then add Worcestershire, tomato paste, paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar. Add beef back into the pot. Stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Add carrots and potatoes, then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes. (If stew gets dry, just add a cup of hot water at a time to replenish the liquid.) Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.