Lightbody Stew
A hearty beef stew with vegetables and savory flavors, perfect for cozy meals and family gatherings, offering tender meat and rich broth with versatile vegetable additions.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. chuck, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 package onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cups white wine ⓘ
- few stalks celery ⓘ
- few potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- few carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- green beans ⓘ
- any vegetables you like ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the cubed beef in 1 tablespoon of oil; add a few tablespoons of flour and coat the meat evenly.
- Add garlic, paprika, black pepper, marjoram, bay leaves, onion soup mix, and 2 cups hot water and 1 or 2 cups white wine; bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato, and onion; reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
- Add remaining vegetables such as green beans and any other preferred vegetables; simmer until tender.
- Add more liquid if needed during cooking to keep vegetables covered in liquid.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in the white wine overnight. You can substitute the chuck with brisket or even a leaner cut like sirloin for a lighter stew. Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth. If you prefer a thicker stew, incorporate mashed potatoes or use a cornstarch slurry towards the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious broth. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables can complement the meal nicely. This dish pairs beautifully with Gabrielle'S Crispy Potato Wedges for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from becoming too thick. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lightbody Stew contains roughly 330 calories, with 16g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (160% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value). At about 330 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 frozen vegetables in this stew?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver. Just add them towards the end of the cooking process to ensure they don't become mushy. However, fresh vegetables will provide a better texture and flavor.
What type of wine should I use for this recipe?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, is ideal for this recipe. Avoid sweet wines as they may alter the flavor profile of the stew.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a deliciously tender stew.
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).