"Beefy" Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew loaded with tender beef, vegetables, and smoky bacon, flavored with herbs and a rich gravy—perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a 4-quart pot, stirring occasionally until cooked. Remove from the pot.
- Add beef to the pot and brown on all sides.
- Add 4 cups of water, salt, thyme, marjoram, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
- Cover and simmer until beef is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Stir in onions, carrots, and potatoes.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Mix 1/2 cup cold water and flour to make a slurry; gradually stir into the stew.
- Stir in browning sauce, if using.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle with parsley and cooked bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or using beef broth instead of water. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute half of the beef with mushrooms. Make sure to cut your vegetables uniformly for even cooking. If you prefer a thicker stew, allow it to simmer longer after adding the slurry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad to balance the richness. For a twist, try serving alongside Chopped Liver Spread as an appetizer to complement the flavors of this robust dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Beefy" Beef Stew contains roughly 490 calories, with 16g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (293% of the Daily Value), iron (134% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 745mg per serving (32% 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 recipe?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the bacon and beef first, then add all ingredients (except for flour and browning sauce) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the slurry and browning sauce in the last hour to thicken.
What type of beef is best for stew?
Chuck roast is ideal for beef stew as it becomes tender and flavorful during the long cooking process. You can also use brisket or round, but chuck is the most commonly recommended cut for stews.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes during the cooking process. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to adjust the spice level to their liking.
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).