Hearty Mulligan Stew is the epitome of rustic, comforting cuisine—a throw-everything-in-the-pot dish that yields a deeply satisfying and nourishing meal. This recipe follows a tradition of simplicity and resourcefulness, transforming humble ingredients like tough cuts of beef, potatoes, and frozen vegetables into a rich, thick, and flavorful stew that warms you from the inside out. The process begins by dredging the beef in a seasoned flour mixture, which not only promotes a beautiful brown crust when seared but also acts as the primary thickening agent for the gravy as it slowly braises in the oven. The long, gentle cooking time in a Dutch oven is the secret to tenderizing the meat until it practically falls apart, while allowing the flavors of herbs, onions, and beef broth to meld into a savory, aromatic base.
What sets this stew apart is its straightforward, two-stage cooking method. After building a foundation of flavor on the stovetop with the browned beef and sautéed onions, the stew is transferred to the oven. This provides an even, all-encompassing heat that simmers the stew gently without the risk of burning the bottom, resulting in perfectly cooked meat and a robust broth. The frozen mixed vegetables are added during the final half-hour, ensuring they retain their bright color and distinct texture without becoming mushy. This stew is a testament to the magic of slow cooking, where minimal effort produces maximum flavor. It’s a forgiving, flexible recipe perfect for a cozy family dinner on a chilly evening, and it tastes even better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Ultimate Comfort Food: A warm, hearty, and filling stew that is the very definition of comfort in a bowl.
• Simple and Forgiving: Easy to prepare with common ingredients and flexible enough to accommodate what you have on hand.
• Oven-Braised Perfection: Cooking in the oven ensures tender meat and a beautifully thickened gravy without any scorching.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes a large pot of stew, perfect for leftovers or feeding a family.
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
- 2 medium gold potatoes, cubed (peeling optional)
- 1 bag (19 ounce) frozen mixed vegetables (typically containing corn, carrots, peas, and green beans)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Dredge the Beef
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready for braising once the stovetop steps are complete.
• In a large zipper-top bag, combine the all-purpose flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Seal the bag and shake to mix. Add the beef stew meat, reseal the bag, and shake vigorously until all the beef pieces are evenly coated. Reserve any leftover flour mixture in the bag.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Using tongs, remove the beef from the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, and add it to the hot pot in a single layer. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Brown the beef on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Do not cook through. Transfer the browned beef to a clean plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Make the Roux
• Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
• Sprinkle the reserved flour mixture (about 1 ½ tablespoons) over the onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Broth
• Add the dried oregano, basil, and marjoram to the pot and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is packed with flavor). Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the broth has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Braise the Stew
• Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the Dutch oven. Stir to combine. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and carefully transfer it to the preheated oven.
• Bake for 1 hour. This long, slow braise will tenderize the beef beautifully.
Step 6: Add the Vegetables and Finish Cooking
• Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Stir in the cubed potatoes and the entire bag of frozen mixed vegetables.
• Cover the pot again and return it to the oven for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the stew is bubbly.
Step 7: Season and Serve
• Remove the stew from the oven. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken slightly.
Tips:
• Pat the Beef Dry: Before dredging, pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps the flour adhere better and promotes a superior sear.
• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the meat is essential for developing a deep, rich flavor base for the stew.
• Low-Sodium Broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt level of the final dish, especially since the broth will reduce and concentrate during cooking.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen. Add hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes with the beef, and quicker-cooking veggies like peas during the last 10 minutes.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.
• Freezing: This stew freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Hearty Mulligan Stew is a timeless, dependable recipe that delivers deep, comforting flavors with minimal fuss. It’s a bowl of pure, simple goodness that feels like home. Enjoy!
