We’ve all faced those busy evenings when whipping up a flavorful meal feels out of reach. That’s where Progresso Recipe Starters step in offering a convenient base packed with rich flavors to kickstart your cooking adventures. These versatile products from Progresso make it simple to elevate everyday dishes without sacrificing taste.
In our kitchen we’ve discovered how these starters transform basic ingredients into hearty soups stews and casseroles. Whether you’re a home cook seeking shortcuts or exploring new recipes our guide dives into the best ways to use them for delicious results.
Ingredients
Now that we’ve established how Progresso Recipe Starters simplify our busy evenings with their rich, flavorful base for soups, stews, and casseroles, let’s gather the essential ingredients for a hearty Fire Roasted Tomato Beef Stew. We’ll list them in the order we use them, including any prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
Main Base Ingredients
- Progresso Recipe Starters Fire Roasted Tomato Cooking Sauce: 1 jar (about 18 ounces) – Use this as our foundational flavor base, straight from the jar to the pot for an instant boost of roasted tomato essence.
- Beef chuck roast: 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes – Trim excess fat before cubing to ensure tender results when searing.
Vegetables and Aromatics
- Yellow onion: 1 large, diced – Chop finely for even cooking and to release sweet aromas early in the process.
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced – Freshly mince just before adding to preserve pungent flavor that enhances the sauce.
- Carrots: 3 medium, sliced into ½-inch rounds – Wash and slice for a crisp texture that softens beautifully in the stew.
Proteins and Add-Ins
- Fresh thyme sprigs: 4 – Strip leaves from stems right before use to infuse herbal notes without woody bits.
- Canned diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces) – Drain lightly to control moisture and avoid diluting the Progresso Recipe Starters base.
- Beef broth: 2 cups, low-sodium – Measure exactly for balanced seasoning that complements the sauce’s depth.
Finishing Touches
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons – For coating the beef cubes, ensuring a golden sear and thickening the stew.
- Salt and black pepper: 1 teaspoon each, to taste – Season generously after tasting to highlight the robust flavors from Progresso Recipe Starters.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Fire Roasted Tomato Beef Stew to life using Progresso Recipe Starters, we need the right tools to ensure efficient preparation and cooking. These essentials help us handle ingredients like beef chuck roast and fresh vegetables with ease, maintaining safety and precision throughout the process.
Essential Tools List
We recommend the following tools, organized by their primary use in the recipe:
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot: Ideal for browning the beef and simmering the stew to develop rich flavors from the Progresso Recipe Starters Fire Roasted Tomato Cooking Sauce. Choose one with a lid for even heat distribution.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: Crucial for precisely chopping vegetables such as onions, carrots, and garlic, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly and enhance the stew’s texture.
- Sturdy Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for prep work, preventing slips when handling ingredients like fresh thyme or beef.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements of liquids and spices, guaranteeing the perfect balance in our stew without over- or under-seasoning.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the mixture as we incorporate the Progresso base, helping to scrape up flavorful bits from the pot bottom.
- Meat Thermometer: Helps us monitor the beef’s internal temperature to reach at least 145°F for safety and tenderness, ensuring a juicy result.
Additional Tips for Tool Selection
For optimal results, we suggest using high-quality, heat-resistant tools that can withstand long cooking times. If you’re preparing this stew in bulk, consider a larger pot to accommodate scaling up the recipe with Progresso Recipe Starters for more servings. Always prioritize tools that are easy to clean, as this keeps our kitchen workflow smooth and enjoyable.
Instructions
We guide you through creating a delicious Fire Roasted Tomato Beef Stew using Progresso Recipe Starters for effortless flavor enhancement. Let’s turn those fresh ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal with simple, confident steps.
Preparation
We begin by prepping the ingredients to ensure everything is ready for seamless cooking. Start with 2 pounds of beef chuck roast—cut it into 1-inch cubes for even browning and tender results. Next, peel and dice 1 large yellow onion and 3 medium carrots into ½-inch pieces to add natural sweetness and texture.
Gather and measure the aromatics: mince 4 garlic cloves for a robust punch and strip leaves from 4 fresh thyme sprigs for earthy notes. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of Progresso Recipe Starters Fire Roasted Tomato Cooking Sauce with 2 cups of beef broth to form the flavorful base that elevates your stew.
For the vegetables, wash and slice 2 celery stalks into ¼-inch pieces and quarter 4 medium potatoes to absorb the rich flavors. Season the beef cubes with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper—tossing them in a bowl ensures even coating. This preparation sets the stage for a stew bursting with vibrant, smoky tastes from the Progresso Recipe Starters.
Cooking
We now move to the cooking phase where the magic happens in your large Dutch oven. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers—add the beef cubes and sear them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown crust that locks in juices and creates a savory aroma.
Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside—lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding any burn to preserve their fresh flavors.
Return the beef to the pot and pour in the Progresso Recipe Starters mixture along with the potatoes. Bring everything to a boil then reduce to a low simmer—cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until the beef becomes fork-tender and the stew thickens into a rich, hearty blend that fills your kitchen with irresistible, smoky scents.
Assembling
We finish by assembling the stew to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. After simmering, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken the stew—cook for an additional 5 minutes uncovered until it reaches a velvety consistency that coats your spoon.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed—sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish. Serve the stew hot in bowls, allowing the layers of smoky tomato from Progresso Recipe Starters to shine through in every savory bite, making this a go-to meal for busy evenings.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To maximize the convenience of our Fire Roasted Tomato Beef Stew featuring Progresso Recipe Starters Fire Roasted Tomato Cooking Sauce, we can prepare it in advance without compromising its rich, smoky flavors. This approach allows us to save time on busy evenings while ensuring the stew remains flavorful and safe to eat. Below, we outline the step-by-step process for prepping, cooking, storing, and reheating.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We recommend starting by prepping your ingredients up to 24 hours in advance to streamline the cooking process. Here’s how:
- Chop vegetables and aromatics: Dice the yellow onion, carrots, and garlic, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps their fresh crunch intact and reduces prep time later.
- Season and cut the beef: Cube the beef chuck roast, toss it with salt, pepper, and any dry seasonings, then place it in a sealed bag or container. Refrigerate it to allow flavors to meld without over-marinating.
- Measure liquids and additions: Portion out the Progresso Recipe Starters sauce, beef broth, and fresh thyme into separate containers. Keep them chilled to preserve their vibrant, tomato-forward essence.
Cooking and Storing the Stew
Once the ingredients are prepped, we can fully cook the stew ahead of time for even greater ease. Follow these steps based on our earlier cooking instructions, then focus on proper storage:
- Cook the stew completely: Brown the beef as described, sauté the vegetables, and simmer everything with the Progresso Recipe Starters until the flavors deepen. This step ensures the stew’s hearty texture and robust taste develop fully.
- Cool the mixture: Allow the stew to cool to room temperature within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Quick cooling helps maintain the dish’s fresh, comforting aroma.
- Portion and store: Divide the stew into meal-sized portions for easy reheating. Use airtight containers or freezer-safe bags to lock in moisture and flavor.
For storage guidelines, we’ve compiled the key details in the table below to help you plan effectively:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3–4 days | Store in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below; stir before reheating to redistribute the rich tomato base from Progresso Recipe Starters. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Use freezer-safe containers; label with the date to track freshness and avoid freezer burn, preserving the stew’s bold, smoky profile. |
Reheating for Optimal Results
- From the refrigerator: Transfer a portion to a pot and heat over medium-low until it simmers, stirring occasionally to blend the Progresso Recipe Starters flavors evenly. This takes about 10–15 minutes and keeps the beef tender.
- From the freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above. For faster results, use a microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring to maintain the stew’s hearty consistency.
- Final adjustments: Taste and add a splash of broth if needed to adjust thickness, ensuring the final dish delivers that signature, fire-roasted tomato punch from Progresso Recipe Starters.
Conclusion
We’ve seen how Progresso Recipe Starters bring ease and flavor to our kitchens
making busy nights more enjoyable. They let us create hearty meals without the fuss
turning simple ingredients into standout dishes.
As we wrap up let’s encourage you to experiment with these starters in your own recipes
we’re confident they’ll become a staple in our cooking routines for delicious results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Progresso Recipe Starters?
Progresso Recipe Starters are convenient flavor bases, like the Fire Roasted Tomato Cooking Sauce, designed to enhance everyday meals such as soups, stews, and casseroles. They provide a rich, smoky foundation that simplifies cooking by adding depth to basic ingredients, making it easier for home cooks to create delicious dishes on busy nights.
How can Progresso Recipe Starters help with busy evenings?
These starters offer a quick flavor boost, turning simple ingredients into tasty meals with minimal effort. By using them as a base, you can skip lengthy prep work and still achieve flavorful results, like in a hearty beef stew, saving time while maintaining quality for weeknight dinners.
What are the main ingredients for Fire Roasted Tomato Beef Stew?
Key ingredients include beef chuck roast, yellow onion, carrots, garlic, fresh thyme, and Progresso Recipe Starters Fire Roasted Tomato Cooking Sauce. Vegetables and aromatics add freshness, while the sauce provides a smoky base. Season with salt, pepper, and thickeners like flour for a hearty, flavorful stew.
What tools are needed to prepare the stew?
You’ll need a large Dutch oven for simmering, a sharp chef’s knife for chopping, measuring cups for accuracy, and heat-resistant utensils. A sturdy pot is ideal for bulk cooking, ensuring even heat distribution and safety while handling ingredients for optimal results.
How do I cook Fire Roasted Tomato Beef Stew?
Start by browning beef chuck roast in a Dutch oven, then sauté onions, carrots, and garlic. Add Progresso Recipe Starters Fire Roasted Tomato Cooking Sauce, thyme, and other ingredients. Simmer until tender, thicken with flour if needed, and adjust seasoning. This creates a rich, comforting meal in about 1-2 hours.
Can I make the stew ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ingredients up to 24 hours in advance by chopping veggies and seasoning beef. Cook the full stew, cool it, then store in portions. This allows for easy reheating, preserving flavors for busy days while maintaining the smoky tomato profile.
How should I store and reheat the stew?
Refrigerate cooled stew in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding broth if it thickens. Stir and taste, adjusting seasoning to keep the rich, smoky flavors intact for a quick, satisfying meal.