Craving a hearty meal that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor? This Savory Mushroom and Beef Stew with Thyme is a perfect choice, offering a comforting and healthy beef stew experience that’s simple to prepare. You’ll love how tender the beef becomes, melding beautifully with earthy mushrooms and fragrant thyme.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Beef Stew Meat: You can use chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work great.
- Beef Broth: Vegetable broth can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. Sweet potatoes also make a great addition.
- Carrots & Celery: These aromatic vegetables are essential for flavor depth.
- Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme can be used, but fresh offers a brighter taste.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
- 4 cups beef broth, low sodium
- 2 cups water
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1.5 pounds)
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for deeper flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, sharp knife, cutting board.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the seared beef and set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften. If using, stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Build the Stew Base
If you’re using flour to thicken, sprinkle it over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the seared beef to the pot.
4. Simmer for Tenderness
Add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This allows the beef to become incredibly tender.
5. Add Remaining Vegetables
Stir in the cubed potatoes and quartered mushrooms. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the mushrooms are cooked through.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Your healthy beef stew is now ready to be enjoyed! Ladle it into bowls and serve warm.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a bay leaf during the simmering step for an extra layer of aroma.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added greens.
- For a touch of sweetness, include a diced sweet potato along with the regular potatoes.
Storage Instructions:
You can store leftover Savory Mushroom and Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make this healthy beef stew ahead of time?
Yes, this stew is excellent for making ahead. The flavors meld and deepen over time.
What kind of beef is best for stew?
Chuck roast or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes, is ideal for its rich flavor and ability to become tender during long, slow cooking.
How do you prevent the vegetables from getting mushy?
Add the more tender vegetables like potatoes and mushrooms later in the cooking process, as directed in the recipe.
Can you freeze this beef stew?
Yes, you can freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you omit the optional flour for thickening, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry for thickening.
How can you make the stew thicker without flour?
For a thicker stew without flour, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot, or cook uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
