Beef Stew Recipe

Making beef stew outdoors, whether camping or cooking over a fire pit, can be a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a simple recipe for campfire beef stew:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs stew beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3-4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2-3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1-2 tablespoons water) for thickening

Equipment Needed:

• Large heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven
• Stirring spoon
• Campfire with grate or tripod

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Start your campfire and let it burn down to hot coals. You’ll need a stable and consistent heat source for cooking.
2. Brown the Beef:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in the large pot or Dutch oven over the campfire. Add the cubed stew beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Saute Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer:
   • Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook over the campfire, stirring occasionally, until the beef and vegetables are tender (about 1-1.5 hours).
6. Add Peas:
   • Stir in the frozen peas during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
7. Thicken (Optional):
   • If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for a few more minutes until the stew reaches your desired consistency.
8. Season and Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Enjoy:
   • Serve the campfire beef stew hot, with toasted bread or biscuits for a complete outdoor meal.

This campfire beef stew recipe is versatile, and you can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. It’s perfect for warming up on cool evenings under the stars at Madison Campground.