Beef stew isn’t really the first thing you think of having for dinner in summer. But when everything is in season, why not? I’ve been making this version of beef stew for about 10 years now and it is my absolute favorite. Maybe it’s because it’s completely devoid of peas and carrots (oh, I do hate cooked peas and carrots so) or maybe it’s the surprising plot twist at the end of the recipe, but I have yet to meet a better beef stew recipe.
Without further ado, my favorite beef stew recipe:
Summer Harvest Beef Stew
1.5lbs. stew meat
3 bell peppers, diced
1 onion, chopped
thyme, bay leaf & red pepper flakes
2 c. chopped tomatoes + 1 T. tomato paste (or 2c. tomato sauce)
2 cloves peeled garlic
1 c. really good red wine
1 c. chicken stock
Coat beef in flour and brown in a large hot pan. Take beef out and put aside. Add a bit of olive oil to pan and then add garlic, herbs, peppers, pepper flakes and onion. Saute until tender. Add meat back in the pan along with wine. Reduce wine by half. Add stock, tomatoes and tomato paste (or tomato sauce). Simmer for an hour covered and 30 minutes uncovered.
Surprise Ending
Heat 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons sugar in small saucepan. When sugar is dissolved add into stew. Then add 1 t. unsweetened cocoa powder to stew. Stir well. Serve over roasted, quartered potatoes, egg noodles or rice.
Hi,
Do you used canned crushed tomatos? or fresh?
The recipe sounds delicious.
Thanks
lauren, I used fresh since it was summer, however since it’s not quite tomato season, try using diced canned tomatoes and drain them before you add them.
Also, what do you do with the bell peppers?
I don’t see anything in the recipe…
Good catch lauren! I saute them with the onion, but if you’ve already passed that step, just throw them into the crock pot. I’m sure there would hardly be a difference once it’s all cooked.
how many does this recipe serve…I am having a dinner for 8 adults.
Hi Sharon, for 8 adults I would double this recipe. I’d say it serves 4-6 people, and doubling will give you enough for extra helpings and/or leftovers.
Just cooking it now – it’s been simmering for an hour and has filled the house with wonderful cooking smells.
I used fresh tomatoes … But I think tinned tomatoes would work too.
that is sure good stew
this one is yummyyy!! 😀
Trying this tonight – looks interesting and I like the ‘surprise ending’, I’m just wondering how you feel about using up other vegetables in this? I’ve got a couple cups of mushrooms and some carrots that I would normally throw into a stew, also no bell peppers. In your experience, would this be an okay substitution?
Nevermind.
Had to run to the grocery store anyway, so picked up the bell peppers. I’m going to leave the carrots out, I think, but go ahead with the mushrooms; in all my life, I’ve never had them mess up a stew. 
Making this right now. Smells wonderful. I will check back in when done.
Hey do you have to use the red wine? or can I substitute with something else?