Description

Beef Stew is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory flavors, slow-cooked to create a hearty and nourishing meal perfect for cozy dinners and meal prep. This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients combined with natural gelling agents to achieve a luscious, thick consistency that satisfies every craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into even chunks
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 yellow onions, diced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
4 cups beef broth or stock
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
1 tsp natural gelling agent
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Prepare and Brown the Beef: Cut the beef into even chunks to ensure consistent cooking. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot and brown the meat on all sides to seal in juices, which builds a deeper flavor base when combined with other ingredients.
Sauté Aromatics: Remove the browned meat and add onions, garlic, and celery to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant. This step builds the stew’s foundation with a wonderful aroma and natural sweetness.
Deglaze and Build the Broth: Stir in tomato paste (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), then pour in beef broth. Add apple cider vinegar to balance rich flavors. Scrape the bottom of the pot gently to incorporate browned bits leftover from the meat.
Add Vegetables and Herbs: Return the beef to the pot, then add carrots, potatoes, fresh thyme, or rosemary. Cover and simmer gently for an hour or more, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and soften vegetables until tender.
Thicken with Natural Gelling Agent: Mix a small amount of natural gelling agent in a slurry with water and stir carefully into the stew. Allow cooking for a few extra minutes until the broth thickens to the perfect luscious consistency.

Notes

Choose beef chuck or stewing beef for tenderness after slow cooking.
Browning meat properly adds rich, savory depth to the stew.
Cook on low heat for an extended period to allow flavors to blend and meat to soften.
Add salt and pepper gradually to control seasoning balance.
Add fresh herbs like thyme in the last stages to preserve their aroma.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Beef Stew, Comfort Food, Slow Cooked, Hearty Dinner, Gluten Free, Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, Natural Gelling Agent