Chunky Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew with tender meat, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean boneless beef, cut in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz.) can English peas, drained ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook beef in hot oil in a large Dutch oven until browned.
- Add water, ketchup, potatoes, onion, carrots, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, curry powder, and celery salt.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in drained English peas and cook an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in Worcestershire sauce and garlic salt before cooking. You can substitute the English peas with frozen peas or green beans if needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chunky beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For a comforting twist, consider enjoying it alongside Pizza Cups (Mini) for an easy dinner combo.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chunky beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally. The stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Beef Stew contains roughly 1147 calories, with 17g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (180% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (122% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% 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 easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a mixture of balsamic vinegar and a little sugar for a similar flavor profile. Just adjust the quantity to taste, as these alternatives can vary in intensity.
Can I make this stew in advance for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chunky beef stew is perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead of time and store it in portioned containers. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat as needed throughout the week.
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).