Herbed Simmered Beef Stew
Herbed simmered beef stew combines tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, making it perfect for hearty family meals and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef for stew, cut into 1 inch cubes ⓘ
- Freshly ground pepper
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3 cups thickly sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried marjoram, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 can (14 oz.) beef broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Season beef with freshly ground pepper and coat with flour.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add beef cubes and cook until browned, stirring often.
- Add sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, dried herbs, and bay leaf; cook until mushrooms are tender and liquid evaporates.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.
- Add baby carrots and peeled baby red-skinned potatoes.
- Bring to a boil again, then cover and cook over low heat for another 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan. If you're short on time, you can use pre-sliced mushrooms or even frozen vegetables. To enhance the dish, try adding a splash of red wine after browning the beef. This Herbed Simmered Beef Stew can also be adapted with additional herbs like parsley for a fresh note.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve it alongside a light salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, consider offering a side of steamed green beans or a simple vegetable medley.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Simmered Beef Stew contains roughly 807 calories, with 15g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value) and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 slow cooker for this beef stew?
Yes, you can definitely use a slow cooker! After browning the beef and sautéing the mushrooms, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth is a suitable substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version. For a deeper flavor, try using a mixture of water and soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, celery, or parsnips for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all vegetables are tender. This flexibility makes it a great recipe to customize to your liking.
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).