Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe
If there’s a stew that draws everyone to the dinner table with eager anticipation, it’s this unforgettable Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe. Each hearty spoonful is packed with tender beef, buttery potatoes, and the signature tang of pepperoncini peppers—all slow-simmered together in a rich, deeply flavorful broth. This dish is wonderfully cozy and big on flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering or a comforting weeknight meal. With its easy prep and all-star ingredients, this Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe quickly earns a cherished spot in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this recipe plays a unique role, from bold seasonings to classic veggies. Simple, familiar ingredients magically transform into mouthwateringly delicious comfort food—the real secret is how they all come together in each spoonful!
- Beef stew meat (2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): The foundation for a crave-worthy stew, ensuring every bite is robust and satisfying.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps give your beef that first deep, caramelized sear and boosts the overall richness of the pot.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet, about 1 ounce): This brings a zesty, herb-packed punch that’s the signature flavor riff of the Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe.
- Au jus gravy mix (1 packet, about 1 ounce): Adds savory depth and body to the broth, making every bite extra luscious.
- Pepperoncini peppers (4, whole): These tangy little gems infuse the stew with a delightful hint of heat and addictive flavor.
- Pepperoncini juice (2 tablespoons): Gives a bright, piquant finish that wakes up the slow-cooked flavors.
- Beef broth (3 cups): Forms the rich, sippable base that brings everything together in a comforting bowl.
- Baby carrots (1 cup): Sweet, tender bites that add color and a gentle crunch.
- Baby potatoes (1 pound, halved): Earthy and creamy, they soak up all the stew’s delicious flavors.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Lends gentle sweetness and depth as it cooks low and slow.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just enough to mellow and flavor the whole pot.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Swirled in at the end for a velvety, mouth-coating finish—you’ll taste the difference!
How to Make Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, getting each piece beautifully browned on all sides. This step locks in the juices and layers in incredible flavor that sets this Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe apart.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
After the beef is browned and set aside, toss your diced onion and minced garlic into the same pot. Give them a quick stir, letting them soften and catch bits of that caramelized flavor left from the beef for about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Beef Back to Pot
Return the browned beef to the pot, then sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix right over the top. Stir everything up so the beef is well coated, infusing each piece with the bright and savory flavors that make this Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Add Vegetables, Pepperoncini, and Broth
Next, toss in the pepperoncini peppers, drizzle in their tart juice, add the beef broth, baby carrots, and halved baby potatoes. Stir well to combine all that goodness, making sure everything gets nestled under the rich broth.
Step 5: Simmer Gently
Bring your pot to a boil, then immediately reduce to low. Cover and let the stew softly simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours. This is where the magic happens—the beef becomes wonderfully tender, the veggies melt into the broth, and classic Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe flavors unite.
Step 6: Finish with Butter and Season to Taste
Once everything is tender and fragrant, stir in the unsalted butter for a touch of silkiness. Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary—sometimes a little extra pepperoncini juice or salt is just what you need.
How to Serve Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
For that final flourish, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra pepperoncini rings adds a fresh pop of color and zing. You can even add a light grating of lemon zest if you love a citrusy hit—these small touches elevate the presentation and flavor of your Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe.
Side Dishes
This stew is so hearty it stands alone, but serving it with a hunk of crusty bread, buttery mashed potatoes, or even over fluffy rice takes things to the next level. Extra bread is especially wonderful for soaking up every last bit of that crave-worthy broth!
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the stew into toasted bread bowls for a fun, cozy twist—or ladle it over creamy polenta for something a little fancy. Mini Dutch ovens or single-serving crocks are great for gatherings, letting everyone experience their own piping hot portion of Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers of your Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe cool before transferring to airtight containers; they’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it arguably even tastier the next day!
Freezing
This stew freezes exceptionally well—just ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving an inch for expansion. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready to save the day whenever a comfort food craving hits.
Reheating
For stovetop reheating, add a splash of broth or water to gently loosen the stew as it warms over low heat. The microwave works too—just cover and reheat in bursts, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I make this Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onion and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender and the veggies are cooked through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use certified gluten-free ranch and au jus seasoning packets, and check your broth for any hidden gluten-containing ingredients to ensure your Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe fits your dietary needs.
What if I want a thicker stew?
If you crave a heartier texture, mash a few cooked potatoes right in the pot, or stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water during the last 15 minutes of simmering. The broth will turn perfectly velvety.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast cut into bite-size pieces is a fantastic choice if beef stew meat isn’t available—just look for well-marbled cuts so the Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe stays luscious and never dry.
What can I use instead of pepperoncini peppers?
If you don’t have pepperoncini on hand, try mild banana peppers or even a few dashes of hot sauce for a similar zing. The unique tang of pepperoncini is part of the Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe’s charm, so sub with care!
Final Thoughts
This Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe easily earns a spot in your comfort food hall of fame—big flavors, minimal fuss, and endless ways to serve and enjoy. Give it a try and get ready for requests for seconds!
Print
Mississippi Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Mississippi Beef Stew, a hearty dish featuring tender beef, flavorful seasonings, and a kick of pepperoncini. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 ounce)
- 4 pepperoncini peppers, whole
- 2 tablespoons pepperoncini juice
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown beef cubes. Set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Saute onion and garlic until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Return beef to pot, add seasonings, peppers, liquids, and vegetables.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 2–2.5 hours.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in butter, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
- For thicker stew, mash potatoes or use a cornstarch slurry.
- This dish can be made in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
