Growing up, stew wasn’t exactly my favorite dish. Mulligan Stew, in particular, was something I politely avoided. However, as taste buds evolve, so did my appreciation for a good, hearty stew. Now, before you glance at the ingredients for this recipe and see “turnips,” please don’t let that deter you! Trust me on this – unless you have an allergy, the turnips in this stew are a game-changer. They impart a subtle sweetness that elevates this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. This Pioneer Woman Stew Recipe is truly exceptional.
My husband, a man with simple, country tastes, absolutely loves turnips. His philosophy is, “if it has turnips, I’ll love it.” So, when I stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to try it, anticipating his enjoyment. He wasn’t disappointed, and neither was I. It quickly became a winter favorite in our household. I urge you not to let a potential aversion to turnips hold you back from trying this. In this stew, they become wonderfully tender, almost potato-like, and contribute to an incredibly satisfying flavor.
Delicious Pioneer Woman Sunday Night Stew simmering in a pot, ready to serve.
This Pioneer Woman stew recipe, sometimes called “Sunday Night Stew,” is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings.
Pioneer Woman’s Sunday Night Stew Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and flavorful stew:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 pounds stew meat or chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 turnips, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups beef stock or beef broth
- A few dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 4 oz tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Chopped parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat: Season the stew meat generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Meat: In a Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt into the oil. Once hot, add half of the stew meat to the pot, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Brown the meat on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Browning in batches helps to develop a richer flavor. Remove the browned meat with a slotted spoon and set aside. Repeat with the remaining stew meat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is called “fond” and adds depth to the stew). Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Cooking the tomato paste deepens its flavor.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the beef stock, stirring continuously to deglaze the pot and incorporate all the flavors. Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce and sprinkle in the sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Slow Simmer: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the stew meat is tender.
- Add Vegetables: After the initial simmering time, stir in the diced carrots and turnips. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender. The stew will thicken as it simmers. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or stock to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the turnips and carrots are tender, the stew is ready to serve. Optionally, stir in chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh touch.
Serving Suggestions:
This Pioneer Woman stew recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a classic comforting meal, ladle the stew over creamy mashed potatoes. Alternatively, serve it over cooked rice for a different texture. For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve with a side of warm, homemade cornbread.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Pioneer Woman’s Sunday Night Stew is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week, especially when you crave a taste of home-cooked goodness. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make stew!
