Delicious Beef and Veggie Dish in Red Wine Sauce
Good day, culinary enthusiasts and adventurous home cooks! I present to you a recipe that will surely impress your family and friends. Get ready to feast on this delectable dish packed with succulent beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful red wine sauce.
This Beef and Vegetables in Red Wine Sauce Recipe is truly a game-changer for those who want to serve a meal that is both comforting and elegant. Picture tender chunks of beef, carrots, tomatoes, onion, and celery, slowly cooked and infused with dried herbs until they become meltingly tender. Then comes the pièce de résistance: a velvety rich red wine sauce that elevates the stew into something truly special.
I guarantee that this recipe is occasion-worthy – perfect for a Sunday family dinner, a romantic date night meal, or even as part of your holiday feast. Plus, it’s easy to make using a slow cooker or in a pot on the stove. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making this magnificent Beef and Vegetables in Red Wine Sauce Recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh foodies, hear me! I bring thee good tidings of great joy. Yea, verily, pay attention to my words for I shall extol unto you the virtues of a dish so divine that you shall never look back.
Why will you love this recipe? Let me count the ways. Firstly, it is the epitome of comfort food – hearty and filling for those cold winter nights. Secondly, it is easy to make, especially if using a slow cooker! Just toss all the ingredients in and let it cook for hours on end. It’s an excellent hands-off meal which leaves you free to do other things.
And let us not forget about that sauce! Red wine sauce can be deliciously rich and flavorful when properly prepared. Suet, self-raising flour, dried herbs, beef bouillon cubes – these are all key ingredients that create the perfect base for an amazing sauce. Add to that some garlic and red wine vinegar and your taste buds will be jumping with joy!
Now picture this: tender beef stew meat cooked with an assortment of root vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery and tomatoes all soaking up a rich red wine sauce flavored with herbs until they become fall-apart-tender in every bite. Add some parsley to give it a fresh kick of herbaceous delight! Mouthwatering already isn’t it?
If these reasons have not convinced you yet then truly I say unto you; thou art missing out on one of life’s greatest pleasures. Finally, picture yourself sipping a glass or two of the same red wine used in the recipe while indulging in the delectable feast before you. A meal fit for royalty or special occasions-worthy occasions.
So go ahead and give this slow-cooker beef and vegetables in red wine sauce recipe a try. Trust me, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes once you take that first heavenly bite.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this mouth-watering Beef and Vegetables in Red Wine Sauce Recipe:
- 1.5 lbs of stewing beef
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 cup of red wine
- 2 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 2 cups of water
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs used for flavoring), you’ll need:
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary
Note: If you can’t find the specific herbs, dried herbs will also work.
These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store and are affordable as well. The combination of these ingredients will give your dish a rich and hearty flavor that is sure to impress your family and friends.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Begin by peeling and chopping 1 onion, 3 celery stalks, and 3 large carrots. Next, dice 2 medium-sized tomatoes.
Step 2: Preparing the Beef
Cut 2 pounds of stewing beef into cubes of roughly the same size. Be sure to trim away any visible fat.
Step 3: Browning the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker on medium-high heat. When it’s hot enough, just before smoking, add the beef in batches and brown all sides until nicely browned.
Step 4: Cooking the Vegetables
Remove the browned beef to a plate and reduce heat to medium-low. Add more oil if necessary, then add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are nicely browned.
Step 5: Adding Tomatoes and Herbs
Add the tomatoes to the pot and stir well. Then add 2 crushed beef bouillon cubes, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried herbs, and 1 tablespoon minced parsley. Mix everything gently.
Step 6: Pouring Wine
Pour in about 3 cups of red wine (more or less depending on your liking). Stir again to mix well.
Step 7: Cooking Slowly
Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and let cook on low heat for at least an hour (2 hours preferred) or until beef is tender and sauce is rich and thick.
Note: You can transfer everything into your slow cooker if you wish. Just set it on low heat for between 6 to 8 hours or until done.
Congratulations! You just made yourself a delicious pot of red wine beef stew that will warm hearts and fill stomachs.
Substitutions and Variations
Mention not, fair reader, if thou find’st thyself without these ingredients, for this recipe hath many a substitution and variation to opt from.
For the meat, thou may use stew meat or beef roast instead of stewing beef. If thou hath a tenderloin recipe or filet mignon on hand, fret not for it can be diced and added accordingly.
Should thee wish to go forth without the aid of a slow cooker, one may braise the beef and vegetables by searing them in a pan first before adding to a pot with wine and water to cook until tender. One may then use the pan sauce as a base for the wine sauce.
Should thee seek a vegetarian option, fears be gone! Simply pop out the beef bouillon cubes and replace with vegetable bouillon cubes. Fear not on flavour loss as dried herbs shall provide ample taste.
For those seeking a red wine sauce less sweet, one may opt for cooking wine instead of regular drinking red wine. One may also switch red wine vinegar in place of wine to add an acidic tang.
By seasoning thy vegetables with different herbs such as rosemary or basil, or trading out root vegetables for ones in-sea-son, thou art sure to create a unique version of this stew special occasion worthy.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made this delicious beef and vegetables in red wine sauce recipe, it’s time to serve it up with the perfect pairing. This hearty dish pairs well with a full bodied red wine like a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. The tannins and acidity in these wines will complement the richness of the beef stew and help to cut through the fat.
To balance out the flavors of the stew, you can serve it with some crusty bread or mashed potatoes. The carbs will help to soak up the flavorful sauce and create a comforting meal that is perfect for a special occasion.
For a lighter option, you can serve this beef stew with a side salad. The fresh greens and tangy dressing will help to cut through the richness of the stew and create a balanced meal.
If you prefer something more indulgent, you can serve this beef and vegetables in red wine sauce recipe over egg noodles or rice. The starchiness of the noodles or rice will soak up all of the delicious flavors of the sauce, creating a truly satisfying meal.
No matter how you choose to serve this dish, one thing is for sure- it is powerfully delicious and worthy of any special occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hark, fellow cooks! A dish as delicious and regal as this Beef and Vegetables in Red Wine Sauce Recipe should not be limited to just one meal. Fear not for the leftovers shall be cherished! This recipe is ideal for those who are on the go, with limited time or hosting a large gathering. Listen well, and I shall reveal how to prepare it beforehand, store it adequately, and reheat it like a pro.
To make ahead: The ingredients can be prepared a day before cooking.. You may chop the vegetables, tenderize the beef and prepare the red wine sauce. Once cooked, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Then store in the refrigerator overnight.
For storing: The beef stew can last up to three days if stored properly. It should be placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For reheating: When you’re ready to consume your divine creation, take out your preferred amount from the storage and put it in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, add 1/4 cup of water and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes. This will prevent overpowering dryness that might occur during reheating.
And lo! Your thoroughly concocted Beef Stew is ready to serve once more! What a boon for those who face time constraints but still crave something exquisite throughout their week.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking this beef and vegetables in red wine sauce recipe, there are some tips that can help ensure perfect results every time. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Thicken the sauce with a thickening agent: If you find that your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it up by adding a thickening agent such as flour or cornstarch. Mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water until it forms a paste, then stir it into the sauce and continue to cook until thickened.
2. Use a slow cooker: This recipe can be made on the stovetop or in the oven, but using a slow cooker is a great option if you want to set it and forget it. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours).
3. Brown the meat first: Browning the beef before adding it to the stew will give it more flavor and help to lock in its juices. Heat some oil in a pan and cook the beef until browned on all sides before adding it to the pot.
4. Let it simmer: After adding all of the ingredients, be sure to let the mixture simmer for at least an hour (or longer if you have time) so that all of the flavors have a chance to meld together.
5. Serve with parsley or dried herbs: Adding some fresh parsley or dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the dish just before serving will give it an extra burst of flavor and fragrance.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to end up with a delicious beef and vegetables in red wine sauce dish that is perfect for any special occasion or dinner gathering.
FAQ
But wait, before you start cooking, let me answer some frequently asked questions that might help you in preparing this delicious slow cooker beef and vegetables in red wine sauce recipe.
What does cooking meat in red wine do to it?
Marinating meat, poultry, or seafood with wine has some benefits to it. The acidity in wine aids in tenderizing the outside of the meat while enhancing it with its unique flavors. Such marinades are effective in keeping the meat moist while cooking.
What does cooking vegetables in wine do?
Using wine in your cooking is a flavorful way to enhance the taste and add moisture to your recipes. It’s best to steer clear of “cooking wine” and instead use wine that you would enjoy drinking.
What is a thickening agent for red wine sauce?
Whenever you want to make a red wine jus or sauce thicker, you may want to use cornflour, which is a common thickening agent. If you mix equal parts of cornflour and water, you can make a paste that, when added to your sauce and heated gently to a boil, can help to thicken it. Stir the sauce continuously while slowly lowering the heat until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
What is the best red wine to cook beef with?
When it comes to cooking a delicious beef roast, it’s essential to choose the right wine to complement the flavors. Two reliable options are Merlot and Pinot Noir. These types of red wine have a rich color and a robust tannin structure that perfectly complements the beef’s intensity. It’s important to select a fresher bottle of Merlot or Pinot Noir to preserve their fruity taste and avoid the harsher aftertaste of aged wines.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Beef and Vegetables in Red Wine Sauce Recipe is the perfect meal for any special occasion – a dish that is sure to impress your guests. The combination of tender beef and hearty vegetables in a rich red wine sauce makes for a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
The recipe is easy to make, either on the stove or in a slow cooker, with substitutions and variations available to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated for an even more effortless experience.
Whether you’re a fan of classic beef stew or are looking for an elevated twist on braised beef, this recipe has everything you need to make the perfect dinner. So why not try it out today? You won’t regret it!
Beef and Vegetables in Red Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 lbs stewing beef
- 2 sliced carrots
- 2 stalks sliced celery
- 3 1/2 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (14 ounce) can drained tomatoes
- 1/4 pint water
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/2 pint red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- beef gravy granules
Dumplings
- 6 ounces self raising flour
- 3 ounces suet
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large non stick pan, brown the steak in batches and place in crock pot or casserole dish. Then add the carrots, celery, mushrooms and onion.
- Combine the tomatoes, water, stock cubes, wine, herbs, salt and pepper.
- Pour into the crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours approximately If you are not using a crock pot, cover the casserole and place in a moderate oven for 1 1/2-2 hours or until beef is tender.
- Dumplings;.
- Sieve the flour into a bowl; add suet, parsley, salt and pepper. Add about 3 tbsp water to make a soft but not sticky dough. With floured hands roll dough into 8 balls.
- Add the dumplings 30-40 minutes before the end of cooking time and cook on a high setting.
- On completion of cooking, thicken the sauce with gravy granules if desired (or needed) for a rich beefy flavour.