Ingredients

3 1/2 lbs lean stewing beef , in large cubes
4 slices bacon , cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion , finely chopped
3/4 lb white pearl onion , peeled
3/4 lb button mushroom
2 carrots , finely chopped
2 -3 garlic cloves , finely chopped
1 stalk celery , chopped
1/4 cup flour
2 cups red wine
3 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt & freshly ground black pepper
Merlot Beef Stew is a classic comfort food dish that's perfect for chilly days and cozy nights in. This stew is hearty and flavorful, with tender chunks of beef, a variety of vegetables, and a rich, savory broth made with red wine and chicken stock. Served with crusty bread or a side salad, this stew makes a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2.In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set it aside.
3.Increase the heat to medium-high and add the butter and olive oil to the pot.
4.Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned, in batches if necessary. Transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.
5.Add the onion, white pearl onions, button mushrooms, carrots, garlic, and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
6.Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
7.Pour in the red wine, chicken stock, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine and bring to a boil.
8.Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, parsley, and reserved bacon to the pot and stir to combine.
9.Return the beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
10.Cover with a tight-fitting lid and place in the oven to cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
11.Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasonings to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
12.Serve hot and enjoy!

PROS

This Merlot Beef Stew is hearty, warming, and full of rich beef flavor.
Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and perfect for cold nights.

The red wine and beef add depth of flavor, making this dish a delectable treat that is sure to please.

CONS

This stew does take a while to cook, so it’s best to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for it to simmer to perfection.

Additionally, the use of red wine may not be ideal for those avoiding alcohol in their diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This stew is a good source of protein and offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, particularly iron from the beef.
The carrots and celery in the stew provide fiber and antioxidants, while the garlic may help to boost the immune system.

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