A Different Beef Stew

Elevate your comfort food repertoire with "A Different Beef Stew," a hearty, flavor-packed twist on the classic dish. This slow-simmered stew combines tender chunks of seared beef chuck with sweet potatoes, baby bella mushrooms, and a medley of warming spices like smoked paprika and thyme, all brought together in a rich, savory broth enhanced with optional red wine and crushed tomatoes. The addition of sweet potatoes lends a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the deep, meaty flavors, while a cornstarch slurry gives the stew its luscious, thickened texture. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this one-pot wonder is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete, soul-warming meal that redefines beef stew.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the cubed beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper, then add the beef to the pot in batches, searing the pieces on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the carrots, sweet potato, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Return the seared beef to the pot and add the smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, and remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well-developed.

Step 8

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3108.5 grams (3108.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2668

Total Fat 169.00g	217%
Saturated Fat 60.30g	301%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 544mg	181%
Sodium 7797mg	339%
Total Carbohydrate 106.20g	39%
Dietary Fiber 22.40g	80%
Total Sugars 39.90g
Protein 157.00g	314%

Vitamin D 16IU	80%
Calcium 406mg	31%
Iron 28mg	154%
Potassium 5738mg	122%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.1%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 16.5%