If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming meal that bursts with rustic flavors and old-fashioned charm, this Hearty Mulligan Stew Recipe is just what you need. Packed with tender beef, smoky sausage, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew is a perfect blend of comfort and goodness simmered to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply want to curl up with a bowl on a chilly evening, this recipe offers a delightful experience that’s easy to make and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hearty Mulligan Stew Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to deliver layers of flavor, appealing textures, and a colorful presentation. Each component from the robust beef cubes to the sweet carrots and fresh parsley plays its own role in building that hearty and inviting stew you’ll love.
- 1 pound beef stew meat: Cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure tender, succulent bites throughout the stew.
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage: Adds a delicious smoky depth and a touch of savory spice.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics without overpowering flavors.
- 1 large onion: Chopped finely to bring sweetness and body to your stew base.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse that irresistible warmth and aroma.
- 3 carrots: Peeled and chopped for a slight sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- 3 potatoes: Diced to add heartiness and soak up all those wonderful flavors.
- 2 stalks celery: Chopped to bring an earthy crunch and aromatic foundation.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a rich, tomatoey undertone that balances the meat.
- 4 cups beef broth: The savory liquid base that marries all the ingredients beautifully.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Tossed in near the end for a pop of color and fresh sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herbal spice that enhances the stew’s complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth and a warm hue.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out every individual flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and pungency to balance the richness.
- 1 bay leaf: Imparts a delicate, aromatic note that rounds out the stew’s profile.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top to brighten each serving with color and freshness.
How to Make Hearty Mulligan Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your beef cubes and brown them evenly on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. This creates a rich caramelized crust that locks in flavor and gives the stew its deeply satisfying taste. Once browned, set the beef aside to prepare the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Sausage, Onion, and Garlic
In the same pot, add the sliced smoked sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. This layer of fat and aroma forms the delicious base notes of your stew, blending beautifully with the seared beef you’ve just cooked.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot and add the carrots, potatoes, celery, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Sprinkle in thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and don’t forget the bay leaf. Stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This slow simmer softens the meat until tender and allows the flavors to marry.
Step 4: Add Frozen Peas and Finish
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas for a fresh burst of color and sweetness. Remove the bay leaf, give everything a good taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle your freshly chopped parsley over the top to add that final flourish of bright green and herbal freshness.
How to Serve Hearty Mulligan Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper bring life and freshness to the bowl. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy, indulgent touch that complements the richness of the stew.
Side Dishes
Hearty Mulligan Stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm biscuit to soak up that savory broth. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans offer a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew. Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles are also fantastic choices for a truly comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the stew in individual rustic bowls or mini slow cooker crocks. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a homestyle look. You might also hollow out a round loaf of bread and ladle the stew inside for a fun edible bowl that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Hearty Mulligan Stew Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool the stew completely before freezing to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Microwaving works fine as well, but gently reheating on the stove preserves the stew’s texture better.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in this stew?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about the Hearty Mulligan Stew Recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap beef for chicken, pork, or even add leftover cooked meats. This stew is a perfect opportunity to get creative and use whatever you have on hand.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and keep an eye on any processed sausages to make sure they don’t contain gluten additives.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Definitely. After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics on the stove, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours until the meat is tender.
What can I substitute for frozen peas?
You can swap peas for fresh green beans, chopped asparagus, or even some diced zucchini near the end of cooking to maintain that fresh, green vegetable texture.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should have a rich, somewhat thick broth but still be spoonable and cozy. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water. If too thick, simply stir in broth or water to loosen it up.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Mulligan Stew Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create pure comfort and warmth. Whether you’re new to stew-making or a seasoned pro, this dish invites you to slow down, gather loved ones, and savor every spoonful. Trust me, once you try it, this stew will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any season.
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Hearty Mulligan Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mulligan Stew is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender beef, smoky sausage, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. This versatile American classic is perfect for cooler days and can be easily adapted with leftover meats or seasonal vegetables. The rich blend of spices and fresh parsley garnish elevate this slow-simmered stew to a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Meat and Sausage
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside to retain the flavorful browned bits in the pot.
- Sauté Sausage and Aromatics: In the same pot, add the sliced smoked sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. This step builds the stew’s base flavor.
- Add Ingredients and Simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, dried thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Slow Cook the Stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This slow simmer ensures the beef becomes tender and the vegetables cook through, melding all flavors.
- Add Peas and Final Seasoning: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas to heat through. Remove the bay leaf, taste the stew, and adjust seasoning as needed with extra salt or pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal.
Notes
- Mulligan stew is highly versatile. Feel free to use leftover meats from your fridge or seasonal vegetables based on availability.
- Add beans such as kidney beans or chickpeas for extra heartiness and protein.
- For a hands-off option, prepare the stew in a slow cooker: combine all ingredients except peas in the cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add peas in the last 10 minutes.
- This stew can be a gluten-free meal if you use gluten-free broth and check the sausage ingredients.
