rich beef stew or beef goulash

This image features two different beef stew-style dishes. The top one appears to be a rich beef stew or beef goulash, while the bottom one looks like beef stroganoff served over egg noodles. Below are recipes for both:

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1. Beef Stew / Goulash Recipe

This is a slow-cooked, hearty beef dish with a rich tomato-based sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (cubed)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (or more for Hungarian-style goulash)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

Construction (Steps to Make):

1. Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot. Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion & Garlic: In the same pot, cook the onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the beef back, followed by diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
4. Simmer: Cover and let cook on low for 1.5-2 hours until the beef is tender. If using mushrooms, add them in the last 30 minutes.
5. Serve: Enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Variations:

• Hungarian Goulash: Add 2 tablespoons of Hungarian paprika and use bell peppers instead of mushrooms.
• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Thicker Sauce: Stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water at the end.

Tips:

• Browning the beef well adds deep flavor.
• For extra richness, stir in a little sour cream before serving.

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2. Beef Stroganoff Recipe

This is a creamy, savory beef dish with mushrooms, served over egg noodles.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef sirloin or stew meat (cubed)
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
• 1 package egg noodles (cooked)

Construction (Steps to Make):

1. Brown the Beef: Heat oil/butter in a pan and brown the beef. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Veggies: In the same pan, cook onions and mushrooms until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Thicken: Mix flour with a bit of water to make a slurry, then stir into the sauce. Cook for 10 minutes.
5. Finish with Sour Cream: Stir in sour cream and return the beef to the pan. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
6. Serve: Pour over egg noodles and enjoy!

Variations:

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream.
• Extra Creamy: Add heavy cream with sour cream.
• Garlic Lovers: Add roasted garlic for deeper flavor.

Tips:

• Use tender cuts like sirloin to avoid chewy beef.
• Stir in sour cream at the end to prevent curdling.
• Serve with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Would you like a specific twist, like a low-carb or vegetarian option?