Healthy Beef Stew
This is one of the tastiest stews I have ever made. It's hearty and especially good for folks on restricted diets because most of its flavor comes from herbs and spices.
This is one of the tastiest stews I have ever made. It's hearty and especially good for folks on restricted diets because most of its flavor comes from herbs and spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 leaves
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
- 3 cups cubed peeled potatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme divided
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil divided
- 3 cups quartered peeled small onions
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- Carbohydrate 6.54045201525101 g
- Cholesterol 0.12 mg
- Fat 2.64881736642046 g
- Fiber 1.81505475645594 g
- Protein 1.13345636989331 g
- Saturated Fat 0.258713148497352 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (144g)
- Sodium 244.494398500162 mg
- Sugar 4.72539725879507 g
- Trans Fat 0.0894399081097612 g
- Calories 51 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 4 tablespoons flour, paprika and pepper. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat.
- In a Dutch oven, brown beef in oil over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste; cook until fragrant and the color starts to darken slightly. Add the water, bouillon, 1-1/2 teaspoons basil, 3/4 teaspoon thyme, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours or until meat is almost tender.
- Add the potatoes, onions and carrots. Cover and simmer 30 minutes longer or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
- Discard bay leaves. In a small bowl, combine the parsley, salt, and the remaining flour, basil, thyme and garlic powder. Add cold water; stir until smooth. Stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
My Hearty and Healthy Beef Stew
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and nutritious meals can be a real challenge. Weeknights often leave me scrambling for quick and easy options, but I refuse to compromise on flavor or healthy eating. That’s why I’ve perfected this recipe for a healthy beef stew that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. This stew is a lifesaver on those nights when I’m short on time but craving a hearty, wholesome meal.
What sets this stew apart is its reliance on herbs and spices to create deep, rich flavor. Forget heavy creams and excessive salt—this recipe packs a punch with a minimal amount of added fat and sodium. It’s perfect for those watching their sodium intake or following a heart-healthy diet. The blend of basil, thyme, and garlic powder creates a fragrant and flavorful base, while the carrots, potatoes, and onions add a satisfying sweetness and texture. It’s a hearty meal that leaves you feeling full and energized, not sluggish and bloated.
The beauty of this stew lies in its versatility. It’s incredibly forgiving, allowing for substitutions based on what you have on hand. Don't have carrots? Use parsnips or sweet potatoes instead. Out of fresh parsley? Dried parsley works just as well. The core flavor profile remains consistent, allowing you to adjust the recipe based on your dietary preferences and the ingredients readily available. This adaptability is crucial for a busy life where pantry staples vary from week to week.
Beyond the Recipe: A Hearty Meal for the Soul
This beef stew is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of comfort and nourishment. It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy night in. The aromas wafting from the pot as it simmers are enough to make your mouth water. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, taking the time to prepare a nourishing meal for yourself and your family is an act of self-care. It's a way to reconnect with the simple pleasures of life, and to share a delicious meal with the people you love.
The preparation is relatively straightforward, involving a simple browning process followed by a long, slow simmer. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a truly exceptional dish. The process isn't labor-intensive; it's a simple simmer that allows you to focus on other tasks while the stew cooks itself to perfection.
This stew is also incredibly budget-friendly. Beef stew meat is often a more affordable cut of beef, making it an excellent choice for those on a tighter budget. The vegetables used are also relatively inexpensive, allowing you to create a delicious and nutritious meal without breaking the bank. I often double the recipe and freeze half of it for a quick and easy meal on another busy weeknight. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good—if not better—the second time around.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
This beef stew is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides to create a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the hearty stew. Crusty bread, perfect for sopping up the rich gravy, is another excellent addition. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.
For those looking to add a bit more flair to the dish, consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the stew during the simmering process. A touch of brown sugar can enhance the sweetness of the vegetables, while a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a kick of heat. Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your own perfect flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, this healthy beef stew recipe is a staple in my kitchen. It's a go-to meal that never disappoints, providing a delicious and nutritious meal without requiring hours of preparation. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a hearty and flavorful stew that will become a favorite in your household, too.
