5 Simple Beef Stew Mushroom Recipes You'll Love

Beef stew with mushrooms is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. Rich, hearty, and full of flavor, this meal is a perfect choice for cold evenings or special gatherings. Here, we will explore five simple yet delightful recipes for beef stew with mushrooms that you can easily make at home. Each recipe promises a unique twist, making your kitchen adventure both exciting and delicious.

Recipe 1: Classic Beef and Mushroom Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, coat them in flour, and brown in the pot. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onions and garlic, cooking until translucent. Add carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Add beef back to the pot, pour in beef stock, tomatoes, mushrooms, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender. Occasionally stir and add more stock if needed.

🍲 Note: Letting the stew sit for a bit after cooking can help the flavors to meld even better.

Recipe 2: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
• 8 oz mushrooms, quartered
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 potatoes, cut into chunks
• 3 carrots, cut into rounds
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, replace with broth if not using)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water (for thickening)

Steps:

1. Layer beef, onion, mushrooms, potatoes, and carrots in a slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix beef broth, wine, tomato paste, and thyme. Pour over the ingredients in the cooker.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours.
4. 30 minutes before serving, add cornstarch mixture to thicken the stew.

⏰ Note: Using a slow cooker allows for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Recipe 3: Beef Stew with Burgundy Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
• 8 oz crimini mushrooms, halved
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup burgundy wine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. In a pan, brown the beef in batches with a bit of oil. Remove to a plate.
2. In the same pan, melt butter, add onions, and cook until soft. Stir in mushrooms, cook until they release their moisture.
3. Add flour, cook for a minute, then deglaze with wine, scraping up the browned bits.
4. Add beef broth, tomato paste, mustard, and return beef to the pan. Simmer on low heat for 2 hours.
5. Before serving, adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley.

Recipe 4: Spicy Beef and Mushroom Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef chuck, cubed
• 10 oz sliced mushrooms
• 2 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped cilantro for serving

Steps:

1. In a pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef, cook until browned, then set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions, jalapeños, and bell pepper until soft. Add spices, cook for a minute.
3. Add tomatoes, beef broth, mushrooms, and beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook for 2 hours.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve with cilantro garnish.

Recipe 5: Beef and Mushroom Guinness Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 16 oz button mushrooms, sliced
• 4 rashers bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 pint Guinness beer
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• Bay leaves
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 parsnip, chopped (optional)

Steps:

1. In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
2. Brown beef in the bacon fat in batches, then set aside with the bacon.
3. Add onions and garlic to the pot, cook until onions are soft. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Return beef and bacon to the pot, add mushrooms, tomato paste, sugar, Guinness, and stock. Stir well.
5. Add bay leaves, carrots, and parsnip. Simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

🍺 Note: The Guinness adds a deep, rich flavor to the stew, giving it a unique taste profile.

To wrap up, beef and mushroom stew is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Whether you choose the classic version, the slow-cooked variety, the spicy twist, the hearty Guinness stew, or the elegant burgundy mushrooms, each recipe brings its own charm to your dining table. These dishes not only satisfy your hunger but also offer a chance to explore flavors and cooking techniques that can become part of your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process, savor the outcome, and remember that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable meals.

What type of mushrooms work best for beef stew?

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Button, cremini, and portobello mushrooms are all excellent choices. Each brings a different flavor profile; button mushrooms are mild, while portobello adds a more robust, meaty texture.

Can I make these stews in advance?

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Yes, beef stew actually improves in flavor if made a day or two in advance. Just reheat gently, and you’ll find the flavors have melded beautifully.

How can I thicken my stew if it’s too watery?

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You can use a mixture of flour and water, or cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water), to thicken your stew. Add it slowly while stirring until you achieve the desired consistency.

What can I serve with beef and mushroom stew?

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Pair your stew with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice. The bread is great for sopping up the sauce, while potatoes or rice absorb the flavors and provide a hearty meal.

Is it possible to freeze beef stew?

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Absolutely, beef stew freezes well. Make sure it’s cooled completely, then store in airtight containers. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.