Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her straightforward, comforting, and utterly delicious recipes that resonate with home cooks everywhere. Among her many culinary gems, the Pioneer Woman Beef Stew With Beer stands out as a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings. This recipe, adapted from Ree Drummond’s original, brings together tender beef, rich beer-infused gravy, and a medley of vegetables for a stew that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Why is this beef stew recipe a must-try? The secret lies in the beer and paprika combination, which creates a depth of flavor that elevates the stew beyond the ordinary. The beer, while initially imparting a slight bitterness, mellows out during the long simmering process, leaving behind a rich, complex sauce that perfectly complements the tender beef. Using a cut like oyster blade ensures the beef becomes incredibly succulent and melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of slow cooking.
Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman Beef Stew with Beer in a pot, showcasing the rich gravy, tender beef chunks, and vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Pioneer Woman beef stew recipe is approachable and forgiving. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to achieve a restaurant-quality stew at home. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to use your favorite beer – anything from a light lager to a darker ale will work beautifully, each imparting its unique nuance to the final dish.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Beef Stew with Beer
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting beef stew:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 800g stewing beef (such as Black Angus oyster blade), cut into thick chunks
- 1 whole medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12oz) can beer (any kind will do)
- 3 1/2 cups beef stock (or substitute with water and beef bouillon cubes)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/4 tsp sugar
- 500g carrots, peeled and cut into thick chunks
- 500g boiling potatoes, quartered
- 12-15 sugar snap peas, ends trimmed (optional, for added freshness)
- Minced parsley, for garnish (optional)
Image showing the ingredients for Pioneer Woman Beef Stew with Beer, including beef chunks, diced onions, garlic, beer can, beef stock, carrots, potatoes, and spices laid out on a kitchen counter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Beef Stew
Follow these simple steps to create your own pot of delicious Pioneer Woman Beef Stew with Beer:
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Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot for optimal searing. Set the browned beef aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Flavor Base: Pour in the beer and beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine all ingredients.
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Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir to ensure the beef is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tenderizing.
Image depicting the step of adding beer and beef stock to the pot with onions and garlic, creating the base for the Pioneer Woman Beef Stew with Beer.
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Add Vegetables: Add carrots and potatoes to the stew. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
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Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Just before serving, stir in sugar snap peas (if using) and cook for 1 minute until bright green and slightly tender-crisp.
Image showcasing the addition of carrots and potatoes to the beef stew, simmering in the pot, illustrating a later stage in the cooking process of Pioneer Woman Beef Stew with Beer.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Beef Stew
- Beer Choice: Don’t overthink the beer! Any beer you enjoy drinking will work well in this stew. Lagers, ales, or even stouts will impart different flavor profiles. Experiment to find your favorite.
- Beef Cut: Oyster blade is excellent for stewing due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked. Chuck roast or other stewing beef cuts are also suitable.
- Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can reduce the amount of beef stock slightly or simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this hearty beef stew in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or even creamy mashed potatoes for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
Image of a bowl of Pioneer Woman Beef Stew with Beer, garnished with fresh parsley and served with a side of crusty bread, emphasizing the hearty and comforting nature of the dish.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Pioneer Woman Beef Stew with Beer. It’s a perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening and is sure to become a family favorite!
