Economical Beef Stew

Cozy up with a bowl of this hearty, Economical Beef Stew, a budget-friendly classic that delivers big on flavor without breaking the bank. Tender chunks of beef chuck are coated in a savory flour mixture, seared to perfection, and simmered in a rich, herb-infused broth alongside vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes. The addition of tomato paste deepens the flavor, while frozen peas provide a touch of sweetness in the final moments of cooking. This satisfying stew is perfect for feeding a crowd, with just 20 minutes of prep time and a simmering process that develops melt-in-your-mouth tenderness over two hours. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread or steamed rice for a comforting family meal. Ideal for meal planning, leftovers, or stretching your grocery budget, this one-pot dish is as practical as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound stew beef (or beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef cubes in this mixture until evenly coated.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring all sides are seared. Set the browned beef aside.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.

Step 5

Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 7

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and let them cook until heated through.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot with crusty bread or over steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2643.3 grams (2643.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2233

Total Fat 120.90g	155%
Saturated Fat 40.30g	201%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 340mg	113%
Sodium 3386mg	147%
Total Carbohydrate 186.60g	68%
Dietary Fiber 27.50g	98%
Total Sugars 31.00g
Protein 122.30g	245%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 330mg	25%
Iron 22mg	122%
Potassium 5885mg	125%

*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: 46.8%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 32.1%