Imagine a dish that combines the bold, zesty flavors of a classic Bloody Mary with the hearty, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a slow-cooked beef stew. This isn't just another recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a deeply satisfying comfort food that packs a flavorful punch, this Bloody Mary Beef Stew is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup Bloody Mary mix
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Cut beef stew meat into uniform 1-inch cubes if not already pre-cut.
- Season beef cubes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If desired, lightly coat meat with flour for enhanced browning and thickening.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Brown meat cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich golden-brown crust. This step adds significant depth of flavor to the stew.
- Transfer browned meat to the crock pot. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery for 2-3 minutes to release their aromatics.
- Add sautéed vegetables to the crock pot with the browned meat.
- Pour in Bloody Mary mix, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 7-8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and flavors to meld completely.
- During the last hour of cooking, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.
- Once cooking is complete, let stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. The meat should be extremely tender and easily pulled apart.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a celery stick, and accompanied by crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose a well-marbled cut of beef stew meat like chuck roast for maximum tenderness and flavor. The fat helps keep the meat moist during the long, slow cooking process.
- Browning is Key: Don't skip the browning step! This crucial technique develops a rich, deep flavor that transforms an ordinary stew into an exceptional dish. Take your time and brown the meat in batches to ensure a perfect golden crust.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to match the Bloody Mary's signature zesty profile.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and meld overnight.
- Garnish Like a Pro: Serve with a celery stick or a sprinkle of fresh parsley to pay homage to the classic Bloody Mary cocktail and add a fresh touch to your hearty stew. Pro Tip: For a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
