Herbed Beef Stew
Herbed Beef Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection. Its rich gravy and comforting nature make it ideal for family dinners or gatherings, offering a warm, satisfying experience with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 4 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 6 yellow onions, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried dill ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered savory ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 10 1/2 ounces can beef consomme ⓘ
- 2 cans (1 pound 13 ounces each) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 pound small white onions, peeled ⓘ
- 1 bunch carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter or margarine in a large kettle and brown the beef chuck cubes well.
- Add mushrooms, chopped yellow onions, crushed garlic, salt, dried dill, basil, thyme, powdered savory, crushed bay leaves, and pepper.
- Saute slowly, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms and onions are tender.
- Add the can of beef consomme and cans of tomatoes to the kettle.
- Simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Add peeled small white onions, and peeled and chopped carrots. Cover and cook for 45 minutes or until vegetables are done.
- Mix 6 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup cold water until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the stew, stirring occasionally, and continue heating until the gravy is thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs instead of dried. Fresh dill, basil, and thyme can elevate the stew. If you don’t have beef consomme, a combination of beef broth and a splash of soy sauce works well. For a thicker stew, increase the flour slightly or let it simmer longer without the lid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the herbed beef stew with crusty bread or over buttered noodles for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
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, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew has thickened too much, add a little beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Beef Stew contains roughly 815 calories, with 22g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (174% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1730mg per serving (75% 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 other cuts like brisket or round, but make sure they are well-marbled to ensure tenderness. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut you choose.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
To make the stew gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch or use a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your beef consomme and other canned ingredients do not contain gluten.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Start by browning the beef and sautéing the onions and mushrooms in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender for a great flavor and convenience.
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).