Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Beef Stew Meat: Cut into 1-inch cubes, providing a hearty and flavorful base for the skillet.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing and browning, adding healthy fats and enhancing flavor.
- 1 large Yellow Onion: Chopped, contributing sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced, adding a pungent and savory note that complements the beef and vegetables.
- 1 lb Baby Potatoes: Halved or quartered if large, offering creamy texture and wholesome carbohydrates.
- 1 lb Asparagus: Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, providing a fresh, spring-like flavor and vibrant green color.
- 1 cup Frozen Peas: Adding a touch of sweetness and vibrant green, easily incorporated for convenience.
- 2 medium Carrots: Peeled and sliced into rounds, contributing sweetness, color, and essential nutrients.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper: Cored, seeded, and chopped, adding sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper: Cored, seeded, and chopped, complementing the red pepper with sweetness and visual appeal.
- 1 cup Beef Broth: Low sodium, providing moisture and enriching the savory flavors of the skillet.
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard: Adding a tangy and slightly spicy depth of flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Enhancing the umami and savory notes of the beef and sauce.
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme: Providing an earthy and aromatic herb flavor that complements beef and vegetables.
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary: Adding a piney and fragrant herb note that pairs beautifully with beef and thyme.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing and balancing all the flavors in the skillet.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste, adding a pungent spice and enhancing overall flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish, adding freshness and a bright, herbaceous finish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear and browning, which enhances the flavor of the beef. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron or oven-safe) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the beef cubes in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Browning the beef creates a flavorful crust and seals in the juices. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Potatoes and Carrots: Add the halved or quartered baby potatoes and sliced carrots to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are slightly softened and beginning to brown around the edges. This step helps to cook the denser vegetables before adding the quicker-cooking ones.
- Incorporate Bell Peppers and Asparagus: Add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened but still crisp-tender. Then, add the asparagus pieces and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – these browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce. Stir in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return Beef and Finish Cooking: Return the seared beef to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is tender and cooked through, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 5 minutes of simmering to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Add Peas and Herbs: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing them to heat through. Stir in the dried thyme and dried rosemary. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish the Easter Beef & Veggie Skillet with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or portion onto plates.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 35g