Description

This hearty and spicy beef stew is packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful spices. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold day, offering a satisfying combination of textures and bold flavors. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious stew that will quickly become a favorite

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat to the pot, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add the Peppers
Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers, and cook for another 3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 4: Incorporate the Spices
Add the tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables, allowing the spices to cook for about 1 minute to release their aromas.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour in the beef broth, and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6: Simmer the Stew
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.

Step 7: Add Potatoes and Corn
After 45 minutes, add the diced potatoes and frozen corn to the pot. Stir everything together, cover, and let it simmer for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through.

Step 8: Finish with Beans
Finally, stir in the drained kidney beans and let the stew cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the beans through.

Step 9: Serve
Once the stew is done, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the spicy beef stew into bowls, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, warming meal!

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tips:
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. For more heat, add extra cayenne or a diced jalapeño pepper.

Add a Smoky Flavor: For a deeper smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Conclusion:
This spicy beef stew is a perfect blend of tender meat, robust vegetables, and rich, spicy flavors. It's a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit your spice preference, making it a hit for any crowd. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious stew!