Easy The Beef Stew - Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews
Learn how to make the beloved Beef Stew with tender meat, hearty vegetables, and rich broth. Perfect comfort food recipe with 5-star reviews.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch rounds
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth, low-sodium
- 1 cup red wine, dry
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels, which helps them develop a rich brown crust.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, brown the beef on all sides until deeply caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per batch, then transfer to a plate.
- 4
Sauté the diced onion in the same pot until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- 5
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
- 6
Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to lift all the flavorful browned bits.
- 7
Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- 8
Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the stew simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- 9
Add the carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms to the pot, then continue simmering uncovered for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until vegetables are tender.
- 10
Whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew to thicken the broth slightly, about 2 minutes.
- 11
Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, then fold in the fresh spinach and let it wilt, about 1 minute.
- 12
Remove and discard the bay leaves before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yukon gold potatoes | sweet potatoes or parsnips | Sweet potatoes provide more fiber and beta-carotene while delivering similar texture; parsnips add natural sweetness without spiking blood sugar as much |
| beef chuck | beef sirloin tip or lean stew meat | Leaner cuts reduce saturated fat by nearly 40% while still becoming tender during long cooking; collagen content remains sufficient for gelatin formation |
| red wine | additional beef broth with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar | Maintains the depth of flavor and acidity without alcohol; balsamic adds polyphenols for anti-inflammatory benefits |
| regular salt | half the amount of sea salt plus 1/2 teaspoon miso paste | Miso adds umami complexity while reducing overall sodium by 25%; fermented miso supports gut health through probiotics |
| cremini mushrooms | a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms | Shiitake mushrooms contain beta-glucans that support immune function and contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 485 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 50g |
Nutrition Comparison
| Classic | Metabolic Health | Healthier | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 385 | 385 |
| Protein | 50g | 42g | 38g |
| Carbs | 42g | 22g | 32g |
| Fat | 14g | 14g | 12g |
| Fiber | 9g | 6g | 7g |
| Sugar | 6g | - | - |
| Health Scores | |||
| Gut Health | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Anti-Inflammatory | 7/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Blood Sugar | 7/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
