This Herbed Beef Stew with Green Beans and Parsnips recipe offers a hearty and wholesome meal. You’ll love this healthy beef stew for its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, perfect for any weeknight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Beef Stew Meat: Choose lean cuts. You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a poultry variation.
- Fresh Herbs: A mix of rosemary and thyme brings warmth. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, use less.
- Parsnips: Adds a unique sweetness and texture. Carrots or sweet potatoes are great alternatives.
- Green Beans: Fresh is best. Frozen green beans can also be used; add them towards the end of cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 large parsnips, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
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 kcal
- Tools Needed: Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
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 Stew Base
Return the seared beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato paste. Add the fresh rosemary and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Stew
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the healthy beef stew simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.
5. Add Vegetables
Stir in the chopped parsnips. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender-crisp.
6. Finish with Green Beans
Add the trimmed green beans to the stew. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still have a slight bite.
7. Thicken (Optional) and Serve
If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the simmering stew and cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a bay leaf during the simmering step for an extra layer of flavor.
- Include other root vegetables like carrots or potatoes for more variety in your healthy beef stew.
- For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Herbed 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 freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this healthy beef stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Sear the beef and sauté the aromatics, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the green beans during the last 30 minutes.
What kind of beef stew meat should I use?
Look for lean cuts like chuck roast, round roast, or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme since dried herbs are more potent.
Are parsnips necessary for this recipe?
Parsnips add a unique sweetness, but you can substitute them with carrots, sweet potatoes, or omit them if you prefer.
How can I make this stew even healthier?
Ensure you use low-sodium broth and trim any excess fat from your beef. You can also increase the amount of non-starchy vegetables.
My stew is too thin, what can I do?
You can thicken it using the cornstarch slurry method described in step 7, or let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce.
