Beef Stew(Servings: 4. Preparation Time: 3 Hours.)
A hearty beef stew with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and rich tomato broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- salt
- black pepper ⓘ
- 2 pounds beef stew meat ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, diced ⓘ
- 4 parsley sprigs, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 cups beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 carrots, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 3 potatoes, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 12 small white boiling onions, peeled ⓘ
Instructions
- Season the flour with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dredge the beef stew meat in the seasoned flour.
- In a large soup kettle, brown the meat in hot olive oil.
- Add sugar, diced celery, chopped parsley, minced garlic, bay leaf, canned tomatoes, beef bouillon, and tomato paste to the kettle.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for one hour.
- Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.
- Add the peeled and quartered carrots and potatoes, and continue to simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add the peeled small white onions and simmer until onions are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat in batches to avoid steaming. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder or use frozen diced vegetables instead of fresh. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance the depth of flavor. For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. A side salad or steamed green beans complements the dish nicely. For a variation, consider pairing it with the *Garden Vegetable Soup* for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef bouillon if the stew thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew(Servings: 4. Preparation Time: 3 Hours.) contains roughly 3097 calories, with 49g protein, 349g carbohydrates, and 179g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (212% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a slow cooker for this beef stew?
Yes, you can definitely use a slow cooker. After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for beef bouillon?
If you don't have beef bouillon, you can use homemade beef stock or broth. Alternatively, vegetable broth works well for a lighter version, although it will alter the flavor slightly.
How do I make this stew spicy?
To add some heat to the stew, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño during cooking. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).