Hearty Tomato Beef Stew
A Rich Tomato Beef Stew Perfect for Holiday Entertaining
Today, I’m sharing a delightful ‘Tomato Beef Stew’ that’s perfect for entertaining guests or for a special occasion. This stew is packed with generous amounts of fresh tomatoes and savory beef, making it a truly satisfying dish. When served with crusty baguette, the tender stew soaks into the bread for a complete and comforting meal. Pile the stew generously onto your baguette slices to fully savor the vibrant tomato flavor and the deep, rich taste of the beef that fills your mouth. It’s a dish that will surely impress!
Main Ingredients- 2 fresh tomatoes
- 200g beef (such as steak or stewing beef)
- 1 medium potato
- 1/2 onion
- A knob of butter
- 3 bay leaves
Seasoning & Broth- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp coarse salt (for marinating)
- Pinch of black pepper (for marinating)
- 1 Tbsp rice wine or cooking sake (for marinating)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt (for final seasoning)
- Pinch of black pepper (for final seasoning)
- 1 cup water or broth (chicken or beef broth)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp coarse salt (for marinating)
- Pinch of black pepper (for marinating)
- 1 Tbsp rice wine or cooking sake (for marinating)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt (for final seasoning)
- Pinch of black pepper (for final seasoning)
- 1 cup water or broth (chicken or beef broth)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove any excess blood. In a bowl, combine the drained beef with 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp rice wine (or cooking sake), and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to marinate the beef; this step helps tenderize the meat and remove any gamey odor.
Step 2
Dice all your vegetables into roughly uniform, bite-sized pieces. Peel the potato and cut it into cubes of about 2-3 cm. Dice the onion to a similar size.
Step 3
Score the stem end of the fresh tomatoes with a shallow ‘X’ cut. Carefully place the tomatoes into boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the skin starts to loosen. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath or cold water to stop the cooking process. The skins should now peel off easily. Once peeled, roughly chop the tomatoes.
Step 4
For enhanced flavor, thinly slice garlic instead of mincing it. Prepare the potatoes, onions, and tomatoes as diced above. Thinly slice the garlic. (If you are adding carrots, dice them now as well.)
Step 5
Melt the butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
Step 6
Add the marinated beef to the pan and sear it until browned on all sides. Once the beef is browned, add the firmer vegetables like potatoes and stir-fry for a few minutes. Once they begin to soften slightly, add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent.
Step 7
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they start to break down and meld with the other ingredients. Now, add the marinated beef back into the pan (if you removed it earlier) and stir everything together.
Step 8
Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce and 1 cup of water or broth. Adding 3 bay leaves will deepen the flavor profile. Ensure there is enough liquid to mostly cover the ingredients; adjust with more broth or water if needed.
Step 9
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook gently. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables and beef are tender. (If adding other vegetables like broccoli, add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking. If you don’t have fresh herbs, a pinch of dried parsley can be added for aroma.)
Step 10
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Finish with a final grind of black pepper. Be mindful not to over-reduce the stew, as it will thicken as it cools.
Step 11
Ladle the finished tomato beef stew into individual serving bowls or a small pot. Serve hot alongside toasted baguette slices, perfect for dipping into the rich sauce. Present a beautiful and inviting meal.
Step 12
The vibrant, tangy flavor of the tomatoes combined with the richness of the beef creates a stew that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Enjoy a wonderful meal with your loved ones on any special occasion!
