Description
A hearty and comforting beef stew cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven over a campfire. Packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and savory broth, this dish is perfect for camping or home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dutch Oven: Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat on campfire coals or stovetop. Add olive oil.
- Sear the Beef: Brown the beef in batches, ensuring all sides are caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: In the same Dutch oven, sauté the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Combine Ingredients: Add the tomato paste and stir until blended. Return the beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth. Add potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and place it over coals or medium heat. Let it simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
- Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, remove 1/4 cup of the broth, whisk it with flour, and stir it back into the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Serve: Discard the bay leaf and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for beef broth.
- For added flavor, include a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Adjust cooking time based on your heat source; campfire temperatures may vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Campfire or Dutch Oven Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg