Healthful Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew featuring tender chunks of lean beef, vegetables, herbs, and wine, perfect for comforting family meals and cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean chuck, cubed ⓘ
- 1/4 c. flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2/3 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry wine ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes ⓘ
- 4 c. diced carrots ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat the beef with flour and brown it in oil in a large container.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- Pour off excess fat. Add diced celery, spices, water, and wine; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add chopped tomatoes, potatoes, and diced carrots.
- Simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in the wine before cooking. If you don't have dry wine, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can provide acidity. You can also substitute the chuck with a leaner cut like sirloin. To thicken the stew, mash some of the potatoes before adding them back in. This stew is hearty and pairs beautifully with Sweet Potatoes-And-Apple Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich stew nicely. For a comforting touch, consider pairing it with Old-Fashioned Fried Apple Pies for dessert. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cold weather.
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 splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Freezing is an option for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Healthful Beef Stew contains roughly 1490 calories, with 50g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (147% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1112mg per serving (48% 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?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken for a lighter version or even use a plant-based protein for a vegan alternative. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as chicken cooks faster than beef. For a heartier vegan option, consider adding lentils or chickpeas.
How do I make this stew thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot and stir them back into the stew. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Can I prepare this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew can be made a day ahead of time, as the flavors deepen with time. Simply cool it down and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).