Nourish your body with a comforting bowl of Hearty Root Vegetable Beef Stew. This healthy beef stew recipe is packed with tender beef, wholesome root vegetables, and rich flavors, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare a delicious and nutritious dish that satisfies everyone.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Beef Stew Meat: You can use chuck roast or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and parsnips are essential. Feel free to add sweet potatoes or rutabaga for variety.
- Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth can be used in a pinch.
- Tomato Paste: This deepens the flavor. You can use a small amount of canned diced tomatoes if you don’t have paste.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme are highly recommended. Dried herbs can be used, but reduce the quantity by half.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
Spices & Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, sharp knife, cutting board.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until a nice crust forms on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Flavor Base
Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly. This step deepens the flavor of your healthy beef stew. Return the browned beef to the pot.
4. Add Broth and Herbs
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the dried rosemary, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer the Stew
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This allows the beef to become incredibly tender, a hallmark of a great healthy beef stew recipe.
6. Incorporate Root Vegetables
After 1 hour and 30 minutes, add the carrots, potatoes, and parsnips to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving your delicious Hearty Root Vegetable Beef Stew.
Variation Ideas:
- Extra Veggies: Add diced sweet potatoes, celery, or mushrooms during the last hour of simmering for even more nutrition.
- Thickening Agent: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the simmering stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth if you enjoy a little heat.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Hearty Root Vegetable Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. This healthy beef stew also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you make this healthy beef stew in a slow cooker? Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the aromatics, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- What kind of beef is best for stew? Chuck roast is ideal because it has good marbling and breaks down beautifully when slow-cooked, resulting in tender beef.
- How can you make the stew thicker? You can remove some of the liquid, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Can you prepare this stew ahead of time? Absolutely! Healthy beef stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
- What should you serve with this stew? Crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a side of brown rice are excellent choices to complete your meal.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? As written, this Hearty Root Vegetable Beef Stew recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.
