If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome meal that tastes like a warm hug, this Mulligan Stew Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a classic one-pot dish brimming with tender beef chunks, hearty vegetables, and a fragrant blend of herbs that meld together into an irresistibly cozy stew. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this Mulligan Stew Recipe delivers on rich flavor, satisfying textures, and easy preparation that’ll have you coming back to the pot again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of this Mulligan Stew Recipe starts with simple, easily found ingredients that each play a star role in building layers of savory goodness. From the melt-in-your-mouth beef to the earthy mix of veggies, every item contributes to the stew’s hearty texture, vibrant color, and comforting aroma.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the meat and adding a subtle, fruity richness.
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes: The protein base that becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a savory punch and aromatic complexity.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Provides natural sweetness and a satisfying bite.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Introduces fresh, slightly peppery undertones.
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed: Fills out the stew with creamy texture and heartiness.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Pops of bright sweetness and color.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds freshness and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Infuses tanginess and a rich tomato base to the broth.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that brings everything together.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy herb that enhances the stew’s rustic character.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Provides a mild, fresh herbal note.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle aromatic depth during simmering.
How to Make Mulligan Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Add them in batches so they brown evenly without overcrowding the pot. This step locks in flavor and builds the stew’s rich base. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside—this is the foundation for your stew’s deep, meaty taste.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Keeping the pot on the heat, toss in the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant, which adds a lovely sweetness to the dish. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, careful not to let it burn. These aromatic steps set the stage for your Mulligan Stew Recipe’s beautiful flavor complexity.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, corn, peas, and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Pour in the beef broth to cover everything and sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. This is where the magic happens—bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and allow it to simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked through, letting all the flavors harmonize beautifully.
Step 4: Final Seasoning
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This step ensures your Mulligan Stew Recipe has the perfect balance of savory notes and seasoning to make each spoonful truly satisfying.
How to Serve Mulligan Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a fresh burst of color and a mild herbal brightness that complements the hearty stew so well. For extra comfort, a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of crème fraîche can lend a creamy counterpoint to the rich broth, elevating your Mulligan Stew Recipe experience.
Side Dishes
This Mulligan Stew Recipe shines when paired with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up all that savory sauce. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness and add a crisp, refreshing contrast to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz things up? Serve the stew in individual bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation that’s both fun and functional. Or, ladle the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a hearty twist that makes this classic feel new and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Mulligan Stew Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and textures. Leftover stew tastes even better as the flavors meld together overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Mulligan Stew Recipe later, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the stew over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. This slow reheating prevents the meat from toughening and keeps the vegetables tender. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew seems too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for Mulligan Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is traditional and perfect for this recipe, you can swap it with ground beef, leftover roast beef, or even venison to put a personal spin on your Mulligan Stew Recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed depending on the cut.
Can I make Mulligan Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this stew adapts well to slow cooker use. Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until everything is tender and flavorful.
How can I thicken my Mulligan Stew Recipe?
If you prefer a thicker stew, try mashing some of the potatoes in the pot before serving, or stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and cold water during the last few minutes of cooking. Both methods give you creamy, thickened broth without overpowering the stew’s texture.
Is this Mulligan Stew Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your beef broth label to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten additives, and you’re good to go.
What are some vegetable substitutions for Mulligan Stew Recipe?
The beauty of Mulligan Stew Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap in vegetables like parsnips, turnips, green beans, or mushrooms according to what you have on hand or what’s in season. Each swap brings a new flavor profile and keeps the stew exciting.
Final Thoughts
This Mulligan Stew Recipe is a shining example of comfort food made simple, with ingredients you can feel good about and a taste that fills both your belly and soul. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or warming up friends and family on a chilly day, it’s a timeless, satisfying dish well worth trying. Give it a go—you might just discover your next all-time favorite stew!
Print
Mulligan Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mulligan Stew is a hearty and flexible one-pot American dish featuring tender beef cubes simmered with a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, peas, and corn in a flavorful tomato and beef broth base. This classic comfort food is perfect for chilly days and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or types of meat.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds (680g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup (150g) frozen corn
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5 oz or 411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add to the pot in batches and brown on all sides. Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, frozen corn, frozen peas, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth. Stir in dried thyme, dried parsley, and add the bay leaf.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the stew hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Mulligan stew is highly adaptable; use any combination of vegetables you prefer or have on hand.
- Ground beef or leftover roast meat can replace stew meat for convenience.
- To thicken the stew, mash a few potatoes directly into the pot just before serving.
- For a richer flavor, you can brown the vegetables slightly along with the onions.
