Hearty Healthy Beef Stew: A Comforting Meal (Print Version)

Healthy Beef Stew: My comforting recipe for a wholesome meal. Enjoy tender beef & fresh veggies, perfect for your cozy, healthy dinner tonight!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 180 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 205 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: High Protein, Gluten-Free (if using GF broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 - 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
05 - 2 celery stalks, chopped
06 - 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

→ Flavor Boosters & Liquids

07 - 4 cups low sodium beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
08 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
09 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
10 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Seasonings & Spices

11 - 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I won't tell!)
12 - 4 sprigs fresh thyme, tied with kitchen twine
13 - 2 bay leaves
14 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
15 - 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

16 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, get that chuck roast out of the fridge a bit early to come to room temp, then pat it really, really dry. This is where the magic happens, hon! Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your beef cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. I usually do this in batches. Let it sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side until you see that beautiful, deep brown crust. That crust means flavor, trust me! I always get so excited when I see that color developing. Remove the seared beef and set it aside; don't wash the pot, we need those yummy browned bits!
02 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add another splash of olive oil if needed. Toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, like real home cooking! Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onions become translucent. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that's called fond, and it's pure gold for flavor. I used to rush this step, and I didn't get that deep flavor, so now I take my time. Don't be like past-me!
03 - Now for the garlic! Add your minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn, or it'll get bitter – oops, I've done that before! Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, letting it deepen in color. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the canned diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any remaining bits from the bottom. Add the seared beef back into the pot, along with the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. It's really starting to look like a proper Healthy Beef Stew now!
04 - Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 2 hours. This is where the beef gets incredibly tender, and all those flavors meld together. I usually peek in every hour or so, just to give it a stir and make sure it’s not sticking. You’ll notice the liquid reducing and thickening slightly. Sometimes I forget and let it go a little too long, but honestly, it just gets more tender! After 2 hours, add your potatoes and cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This ensures they don't turn to mush.
05 - Once the potatoes are tender, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings – you might need more salt or pepper. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the simmering stew. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. I sometimes skip the thickening if I'm feeling lazy and just want a brothy stew, and that's perfectly fine too!
06 - Ladle your delicious, comforting Healthy Beef Stew into bowls. This is the moment you've been waiting for! The aroma is just incredible, rich and hearty. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it hot, maybe with some crusty bread for dipping, or over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s seriously good, and watching everyone enjoy it after all that simmering is just the best feeling. It just smells like home, doesn't it?

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pot when searing the beef; it steams instead of browns, and you want that rich crust.
02 - This stew tastes even better the next day, so it's a fantastic make-ahead meal!
03 - No chuck roast? Sirloin works okay, but reduce simmering time or it'll get tough.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end isn't just for looks; it really brightens everything up.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 - wooden spoon
03 - knife
04 - cutting board
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 20-30g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 40-50g

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