Savor the Hearty Flavors of Minnesota: Classic Beef Stew Recipe

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In the land of ten thousand lakes, Minnesota's chilly winters call for a dish that warms both body and soul. Enter the classic beef stew—a dish rich in flavor and tradition. This hearty stew is a Minnesotan staple, bringing comfort on cold nights and filling homes with its savory aroma. Whether you’re nestled by a fireplace or gathered with family after a day of ice fishing, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of beef stew to make you feel at home.

The Minnesotan Take on Classic Beef Stew
Minnesotans know how to make the most of cold-weather foods, and beef stew is no exception. This version combines tender chunks of beef with the earthy goodness of carrots, potatoes, and celery, simmered in a broth laced with the richness of red wine and the tang of tomato paste. Every bite bursts with flavor, from the savory beef to the subtly sweet vegetables, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes that reflect the simple yet satisfying nature of Midwestern cooking.

The recipe calls for ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a go-to for busy families. The combination of beef broth and red wine gives the stew a deep, rich flavor, while the thyme and garlic add a fragrant aroma that wafts through the house as it cooks. With every bowlful, you get a taste of Minnesota’s knack for combining hearty ingredients to create a dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.

Recipe: Minnesota Classic Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 celery stalks, cut into chunks
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

Instructions:

1. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, then toss them in flour until they are lightly coated.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. Pour in the beef broth and red wine, then stir in the tomato paste and dried thyme. Return the browned beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 1 hour.
6. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine, then cover the pot and continue simmering for another hour, or until the vegetables and beef are tender.
7. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the beef stew hot, ideally with a slice of crusty bread.

A Minnesotan Tradition
This beef stew is the perfect dish to serve on a cold winter day in Minnesota, where warming up after a day in the snow is essential. The slow-simmered ingredients meld together, creating a thick, flavorful stew that’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether at a family dinner or a weekend gathering. Every spoonful captures the spirit of Minnesota’s culinary tradition, with its emphasis on comfort and simplicity.

As you take that first bite, you’ll be reminded of what makes Minnesota’s food culture so special—heartfelt meals made from scratch, meant to nourish both body and soul.

To make your Minnesota-inspired beef stew, there are a few key steps that will ensure it turns out hearty and rich, perfect for those cold northern winters. This stew calls for classic ingredients like beef chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, and celery, but it's the combination of red wine, beef broth, and herbs that gives it a deep, satisfying flavor.

You'll want to start by browning the seasoned beef cubes, which helps to develop a rich, savory base. After sautéing onions and garlic, deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up all the delicious bits from the bottom. This step enhances the depth of flavor. Slowly simmer the stew with beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme, allowing the flavors to meld over a couple of hours. The final touch is adding your vegetables, which will cook to tender perfection during the last hour of simmering​(Allrecipes)​(The Daring Gourmet).

This classic beef stew recipe has a wonderful balance of flavors, with the red wine providing complexity and the vegetables adding sweetness. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience​(Natasha's Kitchen).

For more inspiration or recipe details, you can explore options on (Allrecipes)tp​(The Daring Gourmet)recip​(Natasha's Kitchen)-beef-stew/), The Daring Gourmet, or Natasha's Kitchen.