Cozy Up with Mississippi Beef Stew

Mississippi Beef Stew

Introduction

Mississippi Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Known for its rich flavors and tender beef, this stew brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. The combination of beef with pepperoncini and ranch seasoning gives it a unique twist, making it a favorite among families.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only easy to make but also allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without a lot of hassle. It’s great for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. The ingredients blend together to create a savory stew that is both satisfying and filling. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that reduces cleanup time—who doesn’t love that?

How to Make Mississippi Beef Stew

To whip up a delightful Mississippi Beef Stew, follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast)
4 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium white onion (diced)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 cup pepperoncini juice
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes (cut into bite-sized chunks)
4 medium carrots (sliced)
4 medium celery ribs (sliced)
8 whole pepperoncinis
2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 cup cold water

Directions:

Beef: Dust 2 pounds of beef stew meat with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Sear: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and sear for about 5 minutes, until all sides are browned, stirring frequently.
Aromatics: Stir in the diced 1 medium white onion, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Deglaze: Pour in 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup pepperoncini juice, and 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the diced 1 1/2 pounds of red potatoes, 4 medium sliced carrots, 8 whole pepperoncinis, and 4 medium sliced celery ribs. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Stir to combine.
Stew: Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
Thicken: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water. Stir until completely dissolved. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the stew, stirring constantly. Cook on low heat for a few more minutes, until the stew thickens.
Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot.

How to Serve Mississippi Beef Stew

You can serve Mississippi Beef Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. It also goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.

How to Store Mississippi Beef Stew

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to three months. Make sure to let it cool before transferring it to the freezer.

Tips to Make Mississippi Beef Stew

For extra flavor, add more vegetables like peas or switch out the potatoes for sweet potatoes.
Do not rush the simmering process; the longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become.
Use different cuts of beef if you prefer, but chuck roast is ideal for stews because it gets tender as it cooks.

Variation

Feel free to customize your Mississippi Beef Stew. Some like to add different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. You can also replace the pepperoncini with jalapeños for a spicier kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A: Yes! You can sear the meat in a pan and then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and cornstarch, this recipe can be gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready to serve.

Enjoy making and savoring your delicious Mississippi Beef Stew!