Herbed Beef-N-Vegetable Stew
A hearty herbed beef stew loaded with vegetables and rich tomato flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or weekend gatherings. Aromatic herbs enhance the robust taste.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 4 pounds fat trimmed boneless beef chuck, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 (35 oz) can tomatoes in juice ⓘ
- 2 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves (1 1/2-inch long) ⓘ
- 1 pound carrots, cut in 1/4-inch pieces ⓘ
- 12 ounces small mushrooms, halved ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
- Coat beef pieces with the flour mixture.
- Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef in 2 or 3 batches, then return all meat to the pot.
- Stir in tomatoes, beef broth, minced garlic, dried basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, freshly ground pepper, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring 3 or 4 times.
- Add carrots, mushrooms, green beans, celery, and chopped parsley.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 45 minutes, stirring once or twice until meat and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the vegetables before adding them to the stew. If you don't have fresh herbs, use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs. To thicken the stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry at the end. This recipe is versatile; try substituting beef with chicken for a lighter option or use seasonal vegetables for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the stew. You can also pair it with mashed potatoes or cornbread to soak up the savory juices. This stew is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a pot over medium heat until heated through, adding a bit of broth if the stew has thickened too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Beef-N-Vegetable Stew contains roughly 513 calories, with 11g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (105% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2008mg per serving (87% 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 stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef, transfer it to the slow cooker along with all the ingredients except the vegetables. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add the vegetables during the last 1-2 hours of cooking to ensure they don't become too soft.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Alternatively, use water and add additional seasonings to boost the flavor. Just keep in mind that the depth of taste may vary slightly depending on your choice.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat to the stew, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you add the garlic and herbs. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer a kick. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preference.
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).