Yummy Mulligan Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Hearty, Flavorful Dish

Mulligan stew is a beloved, hearty dish with humble origins, known for its rich flavors and flexibility in ingredients. Named after the Irish-American "Mulligan" tradition, it has evolved over the years into a dish that's both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or preparing a pot to serve guests, Mulligan stew is a great way to showcase simple, everyday ingredients in a flavorful and wholesome meal.

In this article, we’ll break down the ingredients and the step-by-step process of making Yummy Mulligan Stew, using ingredients like all-purpose flour, onion powder, and more. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Yummy Mulligan Stew Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized cubes)

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any cooking oil of choice)

  • 4 cups beef broth (or stock)

  • 4 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)

  • 3 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)

  • 2 celery stalks (chopped)

  • 1 large onion (diced)

  • 1 cup frozen peas

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional, for a fragrant touch)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: 1 cup of tomato paste or diced tomatoes (for a slightly tangy base)

  • 1 bay leaf (optional, for added flavor depth)

Step-by-Step Method to Make Yummy Mulligan Stew:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Start by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized cubes if you haven't already. This is a crucial step, as you want the meat pieces to be tender and easy to eat.

Step 2: Coat the Beef with Flour and Onion Powder

In a large bowl, combine ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Stir them together so they are evenly mixed.

  • Why this step? The flour helps to thicken the stew and gives the meat a slight crust when seared, adding depth of flavor to the final dish. The onion powder gives the meat a subtle savory flavor right from the start.

Toss the beef stew meat in the flour mixture until all the pieces are lightly coated. Be sure to shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches. It's important not to overcrowd the pot to ensure the meat browns properly.

  • Why this step? Browning the beef creates a rich, caramelized flavor that will add complexity to the stew’s base. Make sure each side of the meat gets browned—this should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Once all the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.

  • Why this step? Sautéing the vegetables in the leftover fond (the flavorful brown bits) from the beef infuses them with extra flavor.

Step 5: Add the Seasonings

Once the vegetables are softened, add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary (optional), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together so the spices coat the vegetables evenly.

  • Why this step? The seasonings bring out the comforting flavors of the stew and provide that signature aromatic base.

Step 6: Add the Broth

Pour in 4 cups of beef broth (or stock) into the pot. If you want a slightly tangy base, you can also add 1 cup of tomato paste or diced tomatoes at this point. Stir the broth to incorporate the vegetables and any leftover flour and fond in the pot. This will help create a thick, flavorful liquid.

  • Why this step? The broth is the foundation of the stew, helping to create that delicious, comforting liquid that will simmer with the meat and vegetables.

Step 7: Return the Beef to the Pot

Add the browned beef cubes back into the pot along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir everything together, then bring the stew to a simmer.

  • Why this step? This allows the beef to cook in the flavorful broth, tenderizing as it absorbs the seasoning and broth.

Step 8: Add the Potatoes and Bay Leaf

Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir to combine. If you're using a bay leaf, add it now as well. The potatoes will release starch as they cook, helping to thicken the stew even more.

  • Why this step? The potatoes are a classic component of Mulligan stew, providing a satisfying texture and making the dish even more filling.

Step 9: Simmer the Stew

Cover the pot with a lid and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the stew from sticking to the bottom of the pot. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the beef will become tender.

  • Why this step? The slow simmering process ensures that the meat becomes tender and that all the ingredients blend into a rich, flavorful stew.

Step 10: Add Frozen Peas

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. This adds a pop of color and sweetness to the stew, balancing out the rich flavors from the beef and broth.

  • Why this step? Peas are a great finishing touch, providing a bit of sweetness and texture contrast to the savory stew.

Step 11: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or any extra herbs as needed.

  • Why this step? The final adjustment ensures that the stew tastes just right. Taste as you go to ensure the flavors are well-balanced.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is fully cooked and the flavors have developed, it’s time to serve your Yummy Mulligan Stew! Ladle it into bowls, and optionally serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

  • Why this step? Mulligan stew is best served hot and fresh, with bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Conclusion:

Mulligan stew is a dish that combines simple ingredients into a rich, comforting meal. The combination of beef, vegetables, and seasonings creates a deeply satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy evening, or preparing leftovers for the week, this Yummy Mulligan Stew will warm you up and fill you with flavor.

By following this step-by-step method and using ingredients like all-purpose flour and onion powder to enhance the flavor, you'll create a stew that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Enjoy!