Polish beef stew, also known as "gulasz," is a hearty and flavorful dish that has been a staple in Polish cuisine for centuries. This traditional dish is a favorite among many families and is often served during special occasions and holidays. The combination of tender beef, rich broth, and aromatic spices creates a comforting and satisfying meal that warms the soul. If you're looking for a delicious and authentic Polish beef stew recipe, look no further. This article will guide you through the steps to create a professional and well-organized introduction to this delectable dish.
Main Ingredients: Beef, Carrots, Celery Ribs, Potatoes, Paprika, Ground
Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for cozy nights in. It's hearty, savory, and full of rich flavors that will warm you up from the inside out. There are countless variations of beef stew, but here are 20 of the best recipes that will have your taste buds begging for more.
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Classic Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Beef, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Celery, Large
This recipe is a tried and true classic that never fails to deliver delicious results. Tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich gravy make this beef stew a family favorite. Serve it over mashed potatoes or with a crusty loaf of bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
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Classic Stovetop Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Beef, Onions, Carrots, Celery Stalks, Avocado Oil
If you don't have a slow cooker or don't want to wait hours for your stew to cook, this stovetop version is the perfect solution. It still has all the same flavors and textures as a slow-cooked stew, but it can be ready in just over an hour.
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Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Beef, Flour, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Celery, Large
This beef stew is all about the chunks of meat and vegetables. It's thick, hearty, and full of tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
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Irish Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Beef Stew Meat, Salt, Olive Oil, Large Garlic Cloves
For a taste of the Emerald Isle, try this Irish beef stew. It's made with Guinness beer, which adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish. The beef is slow-cooked until it's fork-tender and served with a side of Irish soda bread.
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Savory Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Olive Oil, Butter, Onion, Garlic Cloves
This beef stew is all about the savory flavors. It's made with a combination of beef broth and red wine, which give it a rich, deep flavor. The addition of herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves make this stew a standout dish.
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CrockPot Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Beef Chuck, Flour, Garlic Powder, Olive Oil, Onion
A crockpot is the perfect tool for making beef stew. This recipe is easy to throw together in the morning and will be ready to eat by dinnertime. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and tender beef stew.
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Karina's Irish Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Beef, Sea Salt, Light Olive Oil, Garlic, Pearl Onions
This version of Irish beef stew is a bit different from the traditional recipe. It's made with a combination of beef and lamb, which gives it a unique and delicious flavor. The addition of root vegetables like parsnips and turnips add a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Olive Oil, Salt, Freshly Ground Black
Another delicious slow cooker recipe, this beef stew is made with a combination of beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard gives it a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
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Instant Pot Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Stewing Beef, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Large
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious beef stew, this Instant Pot recipe is for you. It only takes 30 minutes to make, but you'll still get all the rich flavors and tender beef that you would from a traditional slow-cooked stew.
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Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Beef, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
This beef stew is made with red wine, which adds a rich and slightly acidic flavor to the dish. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe easy and convenient. Serve it over mashed potatoes or with a side of crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Pho
Main Ingredients: Ginger, Onions, Beef Marrow, Beef Chuck, Scallions
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is full of flavor and perfect for cold winter nights. While not technically a beef stew, it's a close cousin and deserves a spot on this list. The broth is made with beef bones and spices, and the dish is served with tender slices of beef, rice noodles, and fresh herbs.
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Homemade Beef Barley Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Clove, Carrots, Celery, Beef
This beef stew is made with hearty chunks of beef, barley, and vegetables. The addition of red wine and beef broth gives it a rich and savory flavor. It's the perfect soup for a chilly day.
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Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Butter, Bacon, All Purpose Flour, Beef Stew Meat, Dry
A Dutch oven is the perfect vessel for making beef stew. This recipe uses a combination of beef, vegetables, and a savory beef broth to create a delicious and hearty stew. The best part? It can be made on the stovetop or in the oven, giving you flexibility in your cooking method.
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Classic Crock-pot Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Beef Stew Meat, Flour, Dried Oregano, Granulated
This classic beef stew is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, and the result is a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
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Classic Homemade Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Beef Stew Meat, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder
If you prefer to make everything from scratch, this homemade beef stew is the recipe for you. The beef is tender and full of flavor, and the vegetables are cooked to perfection in a rich and savory broth. Serve it with a side of cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.
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Crock Pot Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Medium Yellow Onion, Large Carrots, Gold Potatoes
This crockpot beef stew is a family favorite. It's easy to make and the slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together for a delicious and satisfying meal. The addition of red wine and Worcestershire sauce give it a unique and delicious flavor.
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Guinness Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Beef Chuck Roast, Kosher Salt, Cracked Black
This beef stew is made with Guinness beer, which adds a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. It's slow-cooked until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the addition of root vegetables like parsnips and turnips make it a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Italian Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Celery, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Extra Virgin
If you're looking for a twist on the classic beef stew, this Italian version is the perfect recipe. It's made with Italian sausage and a variety of vegetables, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Serve it over pasta or with a side of crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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The Best Crockpot Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Beef Stew Meat, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Celery Ribs
This beef stew is a winner in every way. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and the slow cooker does all the work. The addition of bacon and red wine gives it a unique and delicious twist that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You Will Need
1. Beef
The star of this dish is the beef, which is the key to a successful Polish beef stew. You will need 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces. This type of meat is perfect for stews as it becomes tender and full of flavor when slow-cooked.
2. Aromatic Vegetables
To add depth and flavor to the stew, you will need onions, garlic, and carrots. These vegetables provide a savory base for the dish and complement the beef perfectly. Make sure to chop them finely to ensure they cook evenly and add a rich flavor to the stew.
3. Spices and Seasonings
Paprika is the star spice in this dish, giving the stew its signature red color and smoky flavor. You will also need caraway seeds, marjoram, and bay leaves to add depth and aroma to the stew. These spices are essential in creating an authentic Polish beef stew.
4. Tomato Paste and Broth
To add a tangy and sweet element to the stew, you will need tomato paste. It adds a depth of flavor and helps thicken the stew. Additionally, you will need beef broth to create a rich and flavorful base for the stew.
5. Potatoes
No stew is complete without potatoes. They add a hearty and filling element to the dish, making it a complete meal. You can use any type of potatoes, but we recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes as they hold their shape well when cooked.
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until it's browned on all sides. This step is crucial as it adds a depth of flavor to the stew.
2. Add the Aromatic Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, add the onions, garlic, and carrots to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
3. Add the Spices and Tomato Paste
Next, add paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and bay leaves to the pot and stir until fragrant. Then, add tomato paste and stir until well combined.
4. Pour in the Broth
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to deglaze the pot. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as this adds to the flavor of the stew.
5. Add the Potatoes
Now, add the potatoes to the pot and stir until they are fully coated with the broth. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the stew is done, remove the bay leaves and serve it hot. You can garnish it with some fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, for an extra burst of flavor.
In conclusion, Polish beef stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With these simple instructions and a few key ingredients, you can create an authentic and flavorful stew that will impress your friends and family. So why not give this traditional Polish dish a try and experience the rich flavors of gulasz?