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Smoky Bourbon Beef and Bacon Stew
Dive into indulgence with our Smoky Bourbon Beef and Bacon Stew—rich, savory, and perfect for cozy nights. A true comfort food delight!
Imagine a stew that combines the deep, smoky flavors of slow-cooked beef with the irresistible aroma of bacon, all enriched with a splash of bourbon. This Smoky Bourbon Beef and Bacon Stew is the ultimate comfort food, boasting tender chunks of beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, velvety broth that will warm your soul. The addition of bourbon not only enhances the flavor but also adds a hint of sophistication, making this dish worthy of special occasions or simply a treat-yourself night.
Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of savory, smoky, and subtly sweet notes, thanks to the caramelized onions and a touch of brown sugar. The stew is thickened to perfection, creating a luxurious texture that coats each ingredient beautifully. This dish is a testament to the power of slow-cooking, allowing the flavors to meld and develop into something truly extraordinary. Prepare to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort that is sure to become a new favorite in your cozy soup and stew repertoire.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Total Time
22 mins
Servings
6
Calories
580 kcal
per serving
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Dive into indulgence with our Smoky Bourbon Beef and Bacon Stew—rich, savory, and perfect for cozy nights. A true comfort food delight!
Ingredients
- • beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes: 2 pounds
- • thick-cut bacon, diced: 8 slices
- • bourbon: 1/2 cup
- • beef broth: 4 cups
- • large onions, thinly sliced: 2
- • carrots, peeled and chopped: 3
- • Yukon gold potatoes, cubed: 4
- • garlic cloves, minced: 4
- • tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- • Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
- • smoked paprika: 1 tablespoon
- • brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
- • fresh thyme sprigs: 4
- • bay leaves: 2
- • salt and black pepper to taste
- • olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- 1 Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- 2 In a large, oven-safe Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- 3 Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In batches, sear the beef in the bacon fat until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- 4 Lower the heat to medium and add onions to the pot. Cook until they are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- 5 Pour bourbon into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Cook for 2 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate.
- 6 Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Return the beef and bacon to the pot along with carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves.
- 7 Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- 8 Remove from the oven, discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- • Pair this hearty stew with a rustic, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the savory broth. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad would complement the richness of the stew perfectly. For beverages, consider a robust red wine or a smoky whiskey that echoes the stew's flavor notes. For a non-alcoholic option, try a spiced apple cider to enhance the cozy vibes.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, allow the stew to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to thin the consistency. For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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