Company Beef Stew
A hearty and savory beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef chuck or round steak, cut into chunks ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp white pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- Broccoli spears (optional) ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf, crushed ⓘ
- 2 to 4 whole cloves ⓘ
- Dash of dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 4 carrots, peeled, sliced and cut ⓘ
- 6 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks ⓘ
- 2 onions, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown meat a little at a time in oil.
- Discard excess fat.
- Add salt and white pepper.
- Stir in beef broth and water; bring to a boil.
- Add bay leaf and whole cloves.
- Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until meat is almost tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Add dried thyme leaves.
- Add sliced carrots, potatoes, onions, and sliced celery.
- Cook for another 20 to 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp and meat tests done.
- If desired, add broccoli spears during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve piping hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the beef chunks in the broth and seasonings for a few hours before cooking. A splash of red wine can also be a great addition for depth. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute half of the potatoes with cauliflower. For added richness, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side of green salad or roasted vegetables pairs beautifully with this dish. For a comforting twist, try serving it alongside a slice of Founders' Day Meat Loaf for a true American recipe experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months; thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Beef Stew contains roughly 1798 calories, with 35g protein, 300g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (398% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (235% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (225% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1942mg per serving (84% 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 different cut of beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use cuts like brisket or shank, but chuck is ideal due to its marbling. These cuts will provide a tender texture after slow cooking. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you're using leaner cuts.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or chicken broth if you prefer. For a richer taste, homemade beef stock is always a great option. Just ensure the salt content is balanced when making substitutions.
How do I know when the stew is done?
The stew is done when the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked but still slightly crisp. You can test the meat by piercing it with a fork; it should easily fall apart. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred tenderness.
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).