Gourmet Beef Stew
A hearty and flavorful beef stew with tender meat, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family meals and slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the cubed beef in shortening in a large pot.
- Remove the beef and set aside.
- Add a little olive oil and butter to the same pot and sauté the onions until translucent.
- Return the browned beef and its juices to the pot.
- Add water, red wine, bouillon cubes, garlic, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add the cubed potatoes, turnips, and sliced carrots, and cook until tender.
- Twenty minutes before the end of cooking, add the canned tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water. You can substitute the red wine with a non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice if preferred. If you want a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish; try using fresh thyme instead of dried.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Sharon'S Macaroni And Hamburger Dish or a simple side salad for added freshness. Garnish with additional chopped parsley to brighten the flavors. A glass of red wine works well alongside this hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gourmet Beef Stew contains roughly 1048 calories, with 18g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (164% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 647mg per serving (28% 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 type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with lamb or even chicken, but cooking times may vary. If using chicken, reduce the simmering time as it cooks faster than beef. Just ensure the meat is tender before adding the vegetables.
What vegetables can I add to this stew?
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Adding peas, green beans, or even mushrooms can enhance the flavor and texture. Just remember to add quicker-cooking veggies towards the end of the cooking process.
Is it necessary to use wine in the recipe?
While red wine adds depth and richness to the stew, you can omit it if desired. Substitute with additional beef broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity. The stew will still be flavorful without the wine.
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).