Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Season the Beef
- Begin by seasoning your sliced beef chuck with salt and a sprinkle of black pepper. Don’t be shy—seasoning is what brings the flavor to life!
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
- Next, grab a non-stick skillet and heat it over medium heat. Ensuring the pan is adequately hot will help you achieve a nice sear on the meat.
Step 3: Coat the Pan
- Once the skillet is warm, give it a light coat of cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and help with browning.
Step 4: Brown the Beef
- Add the seasoned beef to the hot skillet. Sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate for now.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers (and mushrooms, if using). Sauté them for about three minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Don’t rush this step; the veggies need time to develop flavor.
Step 6: Add the Beef Broth
- Pour in the beef broth, giving the veggies a gentle stir to combine everything. This will create a lovely base for your dish.
Step 7: Return the Beef to the Skillet
- Return the seared beef to the skillet and allow everything to come to a boil. This helps to infuse flavors from the broth and vegetables back into the meat.
Step 8: Simmer the Dish
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. This low and slow cooking transforms the beef to tender perfection.
Step 9: Prepare the Gravy
- After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the beef from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. To thicken the broth into a gravy, mix the water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Return the mixture to the skillet.
Step 10: Thicken the Gravy
- Stir the broth continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency. You’ve just made a delicious homemade gravy!
Step 11: Serve
- Finally, pour the velvety gravy over the beef and enjoy. It’s a warming dish that never fails to impress!
Notes
- Let the beef rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- To enhance flavor, consider marinating the beef in the broth and spices for a few hours (or overnight).
- Adjust seasoning to your preference. Fresh herbs can also be a delightful addition!
- Use leftover beef broth for gravy. Feel free to use homemade if you have it!
- Don’t forget to taste as you go, adjusting flavors for a personal touch.
