Braised Beef and Mushrooms

• 2 tablespoon(s) canola oil
• 1 tablespoon(s) butter
• 4 cup(s) finely diced onions
• 2 clove(s) (large) garlic, crushed and peeled
• 2 tablespoon(s) tomato paste
• 2 tablespoon(s) sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoon(s) chopped fresh marjoram or 1 teaspoon dried
• 4 pound(s) beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon(s) salt , divided
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 pound(s) cremini mushrooms, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 cup(s) reduced-sodium beef broth
• 8 large shiitake mushroom caps, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2-3 teaspoons finely minced fresh tarragon or dill for garnish
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Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Heat oil and butter in a large heavy casserole or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft and beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, paprika and marjoram.

3. Season beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt and plenty of pepper. Add the beef and cremini mushrooms to the pot; gently stir to combine. Add broth and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

4. Transfer the pot to the oven and bake until the beef is very tender, 1 3/4 to 2 1/2 hours. Stir in shiitake mushrooms and continue baking , covered, for 15 minutes more. Remove from the oven, uncover and let stand, undisturbed, for about 15 minutes.

5. Skim or blot any visible fat from the stew. Transfer the beef and mushrooms to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Return the pot to the stove and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce just coats a spoon. Stir the beef, mushrooms and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt into the sauce and heat through, about 1 minute. Serve garnished with tarragon (or dill), if desired.