Winter Beef Simmer
A hearty winter beef stew featuring tender chuck roast, savory bacon, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms, all simmered with aromatic herbs for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 pounds chuck roast, cubed ⓘ
- 4 medium red potatoes, halved ⓘ
- 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, halved ⓘ
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, halved ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup apple juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup beef broth ⓘ
- 6 ounces tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a Dutch oven, combine chopped onions, bacon, and cubed chuck roast.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meats are browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in all remaining ingredients: red potatoes, carrots, onions, mushrooms, parsley, apple juice, beef broth, tomato paste, salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, and bay leaves.
- Cover the Dutch oven with a lid.
- Bake for 1 1/2 hours.
- Uncover and continue baking, stirring occasionally, for an additional 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary and oregano. If you don’t have apple juice, white wine or a splash of vinegar can be great substitutes. Browning the meat well will enhance the dish’s depth. Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or parsnips for extra flavor. This recipe is versatile, similar to Jeff's Beef Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Winter Beef Simmer with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad pairs nicely to balance the rich flavors. For a comforting meal, consider serving alongside Tommy's Famous Chili Recipe for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Winter Beef Simmer contains roughly 892 calories, with 30g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (435% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (194% of the Daily Value), and iron (145% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2796mg per serving (122% 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 recipe?
Yes, while chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking, other cuts like brisket or round steak can also work. Just ensure they are well-marbled for tenderness. Adjust cooking time if using leaner cuts to avoid drying out.
Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish through the baking step, then let it cool and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a bit of liquid if needed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use crushed tomatoes or even a bit of ketchup in a pinch. Just be mindful that it may alter the overall flavor slightly, so adjust seasonings to your taste.
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).