Mulligan Stew
Mulligan stew is one of those hearty, home-style dishes that warms the soul and brings the family together around the dinner table. Each ingredient melds beautifully, creating a rich, flavorful broth laden with tender meat and vibrant vegetables. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its incredible taste but also in its flexibility; you can toss in whatever ingredients you have on hand, which is a delightful nod to its humble origins.

I discovered Mulligan stew during a chilly autumn weekend at a cozy family gathering, where the air was filled with laughter and the rich aroma of simmering stew. It’s a dish that reminds me of love and comfort, perfect for those days when you need a little extra warmth. Whether you’re serving a crowd or indulging in leftovers, this stew promises to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Let’s dive into this delightful comfort food and create memories one bowl at a time!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepped in just 25 minutes and simmered to perfection in 135 minutes, this stew fits effortlessly into your schedule.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of beef, fresh herbs, and a splash of red wine creates a savory depth that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Loaded with vibrant veggies, this stew is as satisfying to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner, gathering with friends, or meal prep for the week ahead.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing affordable ingredients, this dish is a win for the wallet, stretching servings to fill hungry bellies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds stew beef: Look for chuck roast cut into 1 ½-inch cubes for tender, flavorful meat. If you prefer, you can substitute with beef round or brisket.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef and other ingredients. Adjust based on personal preference.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick; feel free to use freshly ground for a stronger flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables. You can use vegetable oil as an alternative.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the stew.
- 3 stalks celery, diced: Contributes texture and a fresh flavor profile.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Their earthy flavor complements the beef perfectly. Substitute with button mushrooms if needed.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew for a rich texture.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds depth and richness to the broth.
- ½ cup dry red wine: Enhances flavor and complexity. Substitute with additional beef broth if you prefer not to use wine.
- 6 cups beef broth: The base for your stew; low-sodium options are great for better control of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides a umami kick and enhances the beef flavor.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a delightful smoky flavor. Regular paprika can be used as a substitute.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme: Offers aromatic, herbal notes; dried thyme can work in a pinch.
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary: Their robust flavor pairs excellently with beef.
- 2 sprigs fresh parsley: Used for garnish but also adds a pop of freshness.
- 1 large bay leaf: Infuses a subtle depth; remember to remove it before serving.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced: Sweet and tender, they add beautiful color to your stew.
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: They serve as the heartiness of the dish; Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative.
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds crunch and freshness.
- 1 cup frozen peas: For quick cooking and a splash of color.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Sweetness brings a lovely balance to the savory aspects of the stew.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For garnish; adds a burst of color and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary: Fresh herbs elevate the overall dish.
How to Make Mulligan Stew
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the stew beef dry using paper towels, then season generously with 1 teaspoon sea salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. In batches, brown the beef cubes for about 6-8 minutes per batch until well-seared, then transfer to a plate to rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and celery, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened. The aromas will start filling your kitchen!
- Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, giving your stew a robust foundation.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until they release moisture and begin to brown.
- Incorporate Flour and Paste: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Then add 1 tablespoon tomato paste and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, mixing everything well.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in ½ cup dry red wine, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for about 1 minute to reduce slightly.
- Add Broth and Beef: Whisk in 6 cups beef broth and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, returning the browned beef to the pot.
- Create Bouquet Garni: Tie the sprigs of thyme, rosemary, parsley, and 1 large bay leaf together with kitchen twine or wrap them in cheesecloth to make a bouquet garni, then add to the pot.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and cubed russet potatoes to the pot. Simmer uncovered for another 30-35 minutes, until the beef is tender and the stew naturally thickens.
- Incorporate Quick-Cooking Veggies: Stir in the green beans, frozen peas, and corn, simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes until tender.
- Finish Up: Remove the bouquet garni from the pot. If the stew is too thick for your liking, add a splash of broth or water. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added richness.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and serve warm, inviting family to gather around and enjoy!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Mulligan stew at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months—just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave for a quick meal. When reheating, the flavors may deepen further, so be prepared for an even tastier experience!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always dry your beef thoroughly before browning; moisture will prevent a nice sear.
- Use a heavy pot like a Dutch oven for even heat distribution while cooking.
- If the stew thickens too much, adjust the consistency with additional broth or water slowly until you reach your desired texture.
- Don’t skip the bouquet garni—this little bundle of herbs adds layers of flavor without leaving herb bits in your stew.
- If you’re using dried herbs instead of fresh, adjust the amounts (1 tablespoon fresh = 1 teaspoon dried).
Mulligan stew is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. As you explore this recipe, remember it’s easily adaptable to include your favorite ingredients. Maybe you have leftover veggies to use up, or perhaps you’re looking for a twist with spices. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that each occasion brings a deliciously unique experience. Enjoy cooking, and more importantly, savoring every spoonful of this delightful stew!

Recipe FAQs
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Mulligan Stew
Enjoy Mulligan Stew, a hearty blend of beef and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers mouthwatering comfort in each bite.
- Prep Time 25 minutes
- Cook Time 135 minutes
- Yield 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds stew beef cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup dry red wine
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh parsley
- 1 large bay leaf
- 3 medium carrots sliced
- 3 medium russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green beans cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches for 6-8 minutes until well-seared. Remove the beef to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion and celery; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until they release moisture and begin to brown.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute while stirring. Stir in tomato paste and smoked paprika.
- Pour in the red wine, scraping browned bits from the pan and let it simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
- Whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; return the browned beef to the pot.
- Create a bouquet garni with thyme, rosemary, parsley, and bay leaf tied together and add to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 45 minutes.
- Add the carrots and potatoes, simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until tender and stew thickens naturally.
- Stir in green beans, peas, and corn; simmer another 5-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove the bouquet garni. If the stew is too thick, add a splash of broth or water, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped herbs and serve.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or extra Worcestershire sauce as desired.
Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on seasonal availability.
This stew is perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.



