Pioneer Woman Sunday Stew Recipe

When it comes to homecooked meals, Pioneer Woman Sunday stew takes the cake (stew?) as an all-time favorite in my house.

It’s so easy to pop everything in a slow cooker and let the magic happen while you relax.

What I’ll do is use bacon grease to brown the beef, adding a deep, savory flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.

Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile—serve it with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or a fresh crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious gravy.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Sunday Stew Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Beef Stew Meat
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 4 Carrots (diced)
• 3 Stalks Celery (chopped)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 3 cups Beef Stock
• 1 cup Red Wine
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 tbsp Flour
• 1/2 lb Mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 Sprigs Thyme
• 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat.

Add butter and brown half of the stew meat until golden on the outside, about 2 minutes per batch.

Step 2:

Remove the browned meat and repeat the process with the remaining half.

Once done, set aside all the browned meat.

Step 3:

In the same pot, add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery.

Cook until the vegetables start to soften, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4:

Return the meat to the pot.

Pour in beef stock, red wine, and tomato paste.

Add Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and mushrooms.

Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer.

Step 5:

Cook for about 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded.

Add fresh parsley before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Flavor Enhancer:

Use good-quality red wine; the flavors will deepen during cooking.

Even a splash can make a significant difference in taste!

Thickening the Stew:

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of flour with a quarter cup of stew liquid.

Add it back into the pot and simmer for a few more minutes.

Veggies Variation:

Feel free to toss in some potatoes or peas for extra heartiness!

Other root vegetables can add a unique twist.

Resting for Flavor:

Letting the stew sit overnight in the fridge can intensify its flavors.

This step allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.

Leftover Magic:

This stew freezes really well!

Portion it out in freezer-safe containers for an easy meal later.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Sunday Stew

Crusty Bread

You’ll love having a crusty loaf of bread on the side, which is perfect for mopping up all that delicious stew sauce. Whether it’s a homemade loaf or your favorite bakery buy, the hearty bread pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the stew.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic choice that adds comfort to every bite of the stew. The creamy texture complements the hearty meat and vegetables, creating a beautiful balance of flavors on your plate.

Buttered Noodles

Another traditional and tasty choice is buttered noodles. Their simplicity allows the stew’s flavors to shine, while the buttery goodness enhances the overall meal experience.

Polenta

Why not mix things up a bit with creamy polenta? It provides a smooth, slightly sweet contrast to the rich and savory stew, offering you a unique and satisfying pairing.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re in the mood for something green, roasted Brussels sprouts are a great option. Their caramelized flavor adds a bitterness that cuts through the richness and keeps the meal light and enjoyable.

Sweet Potato Mash

For a twist on the classic, try a sweet potato mash as a side. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes adds a depth of flavor that enhances each spoonful of the stew beautifully.

Garlicky Green Beans

Add a pop of color and freshness with garlicky green beans. They offer a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the stew’s tender ingredients, and the garlic gives a bold flavor kick!

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Alternatives

You can use chicken or pork instead of beef in the Sunday stew to create a slightly lighter version.

Using lamb can give the dish a rich, hearty flavor that works great for a special occasion.

Feeling adventurous? Give venison a try for a unique game twist on the classic stew.

Vegetable Tweaks

Experiment with root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes to bring a different sweetness and texture to your stew.

Adding mushrooms can introduce a meaty texture without upping the protein content, perfect for a more plant-forward dish.

Substitute turnips for potatoes if you’re looking for a lower-carb option while still keeping the stew hearty.

Flavor Boosts

Adding a splash of red wine can deepen the broth’s taste, complementing the beef and vegetables nicely.

For a tangy twist, consider incorporating a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for some depth and complexity.

If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few red chili flakes will add warmth and spice.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Sunday Stew

It’s essential to transfer your leftover Pioneer Woman Sunday Stew into airtight containers made of glass or plastic.

Doing this helps preserve the flavors and prevent any unwanted aromas from the fridge.

Once the stew is stored, you should place it in the refrigerator promptly, ideally within two hours after cooking.

Feezing

If you want to enjoy this stew longer, you can freeze it.

To freeze, pour the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags.

It’s smart to leave a little room at the top since liquids expand when frozen.

When you’re ready to use the stew again, thaw it safely in the fridge overnight for best quality.

These steps ensure that your Pioneer Woman Sunday Stew stays fresh and tasty longer!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Browning the Meat

You might be tempted to skip the step of browning your stew meat for convenience.
Avoid this.

Browning adds a rich depth of flavor to your stew that’s hard to achieve otherwise.

Using the Wrong Liquid

It’s common for people to use water as the primary liquid in the stew.

Try using stock or broth instead to deepen the taste.

Remember, the choice of liquid will influence the final dish’s taste profile.

Adding Vegetables Too Early

Adding vegetables too early in the process can lead to mushy veggies.

Keep them tender by adding them later, so they maintain texture.

Timing is key here to ensure each component is perfectly cooked.