Kettle beef is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty and satisfying dish is made by slowly simmering beef in a large pot or Dutch oven, along with a variety of flavorful vegetables and seasonings.
The result is a tender and flavorful beef that is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion.
Kettle Beef Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups diced celery
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How To Make Kettle Beef From Scratch?
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the beef broth, red wine, carrots, potatoes, celery, tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and salt and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the beef back to the pot.
Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Serve the kettle beef with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. And why not pair it with a red wine you used to make it?
Tips To Make Kettle Beef and Variations
You can also add additional vegetables to the pot, such as mushrooms, green beans, or turnips.
For a richer and more flavorful dish, brown the beef in a separate pan before adding it to the pot.
To thicken the sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water, and stir it into the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
How To Store & Reheat Homemade Kettle Beef?
Once you’ve cooked your kettle beef, it’s important to store it properly in order to ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some guidelines for storing your kettle beef:
Allow the beef to cool completely before storing. Do not put hot or warm food in the refrigerator, as this can raise the temperature of the refrigerator and cause other food to spoil.
Divide the beef into smaller portions and place them in airtight containers or resealable bags. This will help to prevent the beef from drying out and will also make it easier to reheat in smaller servings.
Label the containers or bags with the date and the name of the dish.
If you have any leftover gravy or sauce, store it separately in an airtight container.
Once it is properly stored, the beef can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
If you plan to keep the beef for a longer period, it can also be frozen. To do this, place the beef in airtight containers or resealable bags and freeze it for up to 3 to 4 months. Make sure to label the containers or bags with the date and the name of the dish, so you know how long they have been frozen.
When you are ready to reheat the beef, be sure to do it properly, by reheating it to an internal temperature of at least 74 °C (165 °F) to kill any potential bacteria that may have grown during storage.
Serving Ideas
There are many ways to serve kettle beef, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are a few serving ideas to get you started:
Classic comfort food: Serve the kettle beef with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a side of steamed vegetables for a comforting and satisfying family dinner.
Over pasta: Toss cooked and drained egg noodles or pappardelle pasta with some butter and herbs, then top with the beef and its sauce for a hearty and filling dish.
On a sandwich: Shred the beef and serve it on a crusty roll with melted cheese and a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
Over polenta: Cook polenta according to package directions and top with the beef and its sauce.
In a wrap: Shred the beef and serve it in a warm tortilla wrap with cheese, avocado, and salsa.
On a salad: Shred the beef and serve it over mixed greens, along with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite salad dressing.
With dumplings: Make dumplings from scratch or use pre-made dumplings and serve them in the beef stew for a heartier meal.
These are just a few examples of how you can serve kettle beef, but the possibilities are truly endless. The key is to think about the flavors and textures of the beef and to pair it with complementary side dishes that will enhance its taste and presentation.
Common Ask Questions About Kettle Beef
here are some frequently asked questions about kettle beef:
What is kettle beef?
Kettle beef is a classic recipe that involves slowly simmering beef in a large pot or Dutch oven, along with a variety of flavorful vegetables and seasonings. The result is a tender and flavorful beef that is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion.
What cut of beef is best for kettle beef?
Beef chuck roast is the most commonly used cut for kettle beef. It has a good balance of fat and marbling, making it tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.
Can I use other cuts of beef for kettle beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as brisket or round, but keep in mind that they may have different cooking times and may require additional tenderizing.
Can I make kettle beef in a slow cooker instead of a pot or Dutch oven?
Yes, you can definitely make kettle beef in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed in the recipe, then transfer everything to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I freeze kettle beef?
Yes, you can freeze kettle beef for up to 3-4 months. Make sure to store it in airtight containers or resealable bags, and label them with the date and name of the dish.
Can I make kettle beef vegan or vegetarian?
Kettle beef is traditionally made with beef, but you can certainly adapt the recipe to make it vegan or vegetarian by using plant-based alternatives such as seitan, tofu, or tempeh.
Kettle Beef Recipe: A Delicious and Traditional Dish
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups diced celery
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the beef broth, red wine, carrots, potatoes, celery, tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and salt and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the beef back to the pot.
- Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Hope you like this kettle beef recipe.
