Description

This comforting Beef and Vegetable Stew features tender beef chuck roast, vibrant fresh vegetables, and a rich broth enhanced with the subtle brightness of apple cider vinegar and natural seasonings. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this stew is easy to prepare, nutritious, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Ideal for cozy meals and meal prep, it offers a delicious balance of deep, savory flavors and fresh herbal notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Vegetables

2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 large carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 medium potatoes, diced
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Sauces

4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Herbs and Seasonings

2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Other

1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the beef into bite-sized cubes, and dice the carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Mince the garlic finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the stew.
Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Sear the beef cubes in batches until all sides are well browned, locking in flavor and creating a rich aroma. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and translucent, picking up the browned bits left by the beef. Add the minced garlic last and cook for one minute to release its fragrance.
Combine and Season: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), bay leaves, and fresh thyme. Pour in the beef broth and add the apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmer Gently: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer until the beef is tender and flavors meld, about 1.5 to 2 hours. Add the diced potatoes approximately halfway through cooking to avoid them becoming mushy.
Thicken and Serve: Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent to achieve your preferred stew consistency, stirring it in until fully incorporated. Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the stew hot for maximum comfort.

Notes

Brown the beef well: Take your time to sear the beef cubes properly, as this adds deep flavor to the stew.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme or alternatives like rosemary or sage brighten the stew more effectively than dried herbs.
Add vegetables in stages: Add firmer vegetables earlier and tender ones later to maintain the ideal texture.
Allow it to rest: Letting the stew cool slightly enhances its flavor development.
Customize thickness: Use the natural gelling agent to adjust the broth’s consistency to your liking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: beef stew, vegetable stew, comforting dinner, hearty meal, slow cooked beef, gluten free stew