Charolais Beef Stew
A hearty Charolais beef stew with rich tomato flavors, aromatic herbs, and tender vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll the stew meat in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Brown the meat in canola oil in a Dutch oven.
- Place the browned meat in the Dutch oven and pour the dissolved bouillon cube, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, peppercorns, and cloves over it.
- Simmer, covered, for about 4 hours, adding more water if needed.
- Separately cook 6 potatoes, 6 carrots (quartered), and 1 stalk celery until tender.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the meat mixture during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the Dutch oven. Add a splash of red wine for extra depth and deglaze the pan after browning the meat. You can substitute the Charolais stew meat with chuck roast if needed. For a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of flour and water during the last simmering stage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Charolais beef stew with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A side of green beans or a fresh garden salad pairs well, adding color and crunch. For a twist, try serving it with Aunt Jan'S Chili Sauce for a kick of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if it seems too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Charolais Beef Stew contains roughly 908 calories, with 29g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (329% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (271% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1424mg per serving (62% 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 make this beef stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of a bouillon cube?
If you don’t have a bouillon cube, you can use 1 cup of beef broth or stock instead of the water and bouillon. This will enhance the beefy flavor of the stew. Just be mindful of the salt content, as broth can be quite salty.
Can I freeze the beef stew?
Yes, beef stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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).