Tips for Experienced Cooks
Take the opportunity to enhance the flavors by searing the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures a good caramelization for deeper flavor. Additionally, consider deglazing the pan with a bit of beef broth after browning the beef and cooking the aromatics, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce. Explore using fresh herbs in place of some dried ones for a brighter flavor profile, and adjust the level of spices according to your taste preference.
Step 1: Brown the beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb beef
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- 1 onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Step 3: Make the sauce
Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, allspice, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Step 4: Add the vegetables
Add the sweet potatoes and bell peppers to the pot. Return the beef to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- 2 sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 bell peppers (diced)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step 5: Simmer and serve
Cover the pot and simmer until the beef is tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Serve hot and enjoy!
Meat, Eggs, & Dairy
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat
Fresh Produce & Herbs
- 1 whole onion
- 2 whole sweet potato
- 1 whole red bell pepper
- 1 whole green bell pepper
Seasonings & Spices
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt
- black pepper
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar