Craving a hearty and healthy meal? This Tuscan Style Beef and White Bean Stew is a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any day. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare a truly delicious and healthy beef stew.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Beef Stew Meat: Choose lean cuts for a healthier option.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add extra depth.
- Cannellini Beans: Great Northern beans or chickpeas work well too.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth is recommended for better control of saltiness.
- Fresh Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard are excellent leafy green alternatives.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lbs lean beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools Needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, chopping board, sharp knife.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef stew meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the seared beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. 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 diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, beef broth, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This long simmer develops a rich flavor for your healthy beef stew.
5. Add Fresh Greens
Once the beef is tender, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, which should only take a couple of minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your flavorful Tuscan Style Beef and White Bean Stew into bowls. Serve hot and savor this comforting healthy beef stew.
Variation Ideas
- Add diced zucchini or bell peppers during the last 20 minutes of simmering for more vegetables.
- Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or parsley before serving for an herbaceous boost.
- Serve with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Tuscan Style Beef and White Bean 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you make this healthy beef stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach during the last 30 minutes.
Q: What cut of beef is best for stew?
A: Chuck roast or stew meat labeled as “stew beef” works wonderfully. You want a cut that becomes tender with long, slow cooking, making it ideal for a healthy beef stew.
Q: Can you freeze this beef stew?
A: Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as written, this Tuscan Style Beef and White Bean Stew is naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can you make this recipe vegetarian?
A: You can adapt this recipe by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Increase the amount of beans or add other hearty vegetables like mushrooms or potatoes.
Q: How can you thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
A: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cannellini beans against the side of the pot with the back of your spoon during simmering, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering stew.
