Rich Beef Stew
A hearty and savory beef stew with tender chunks of meat, rich flavors from vegetables and seasonings, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. lean chuck or flank steak ⓘ
- 1 chunk fat from meat ⓘ
- 1 qt. boiling water ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. catsup
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 4 medium onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diced celery ⓘ
- parsley sprigs (optional) ⓘ
- 5 potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the meat into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
- Cut the fat into small pieces and cook it in a heavy heated Dutch oven until it is crisp and brown.
- Add the meat and brown it thoroughly on all sides.
- Add boiling water, garlic, bay leaf, salt, pepper, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, paprika, and sliced onions.
- Cover tightly and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or longer.
- Add potatoes and continue to simmer gently for about another hour.
- Optionally, add carrots and parsley sprigs before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef in the Worcestershire sauce overnight. You can substitute the chuck or flank steak with a brisket for a different texture. If you're short on time, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time while still achieving tender meat. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance the richness of the stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal. A side of Basic Cole Slaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the stew perfectly. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. If you're feeling adventurous, a dollop of My Grandma'S Chili Sauce can add a spicy kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens. This stew also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be reheated directly from frozen on low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich Beef Stew contains roughly 2112 calories, with 41g protein, 330g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (211% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (148% of the Daily Value), and iron (114% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2191mg per serving (95% 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 for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute lean cuts of beef like sirloin or even use pork shoulder for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on the meat chosen, so adjust accordingly to ensure tenderness.
What vegetables can I add to the stew?
In addition to potatoes, you can add carrots, parsnips, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just remember to add them during the last hour of cooking so they maintain their texture.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and simmer for a few more minutes. Alternatively, mashing some of the potatoes can also help thicken the broth.
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).