beef stew
Beef stew brings warmth and Mediterranean flair, with tender beef, veggies, and a lighter touch for guilt-free comfort.
Ingredients
Method
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes in batches, setting them aside as browned.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the same pot. Cook until soft and fragrant, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and beef broth. Add oregano, thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir together.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to thicken the stew if desired. Discard the bay leaf.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean beef stew!
Notes
Beef stew is a timeless comfort dish loved for its rich flavor and hearty texture. Its versatility shines through Mediterranean influences, making it a great pick for cozy family dinners or meal-prepping on busy weeks. Cooking beef stew is not just about simmering meat and veggies—with a little care, you can elevate your stew to restaurant quality right at home.
Practical Tips:
- Choose the right cut: Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender after slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin; they can turn out dry.
- Sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. This step enhances depth of flavor by caramelizing the meat.
- If you don't have beef broth, low-sodium chicken stock or even vegetable broth works in a pinch.
- Boost flavor by adding a splash of dry red wine during sautéing or a parmesan rind during simmering.
- Browning the beef and vegetables separately builds layers of flavor—don’t skip this even if you’re short on time.
- For a thicker stew, uncover during the last 20 minutes or mash a few potato pieces right in the pot.
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap potatoes for more zucchini or add chickpeas for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Pair your beef stew with crusty bread, polenta, or fluffy rice to soak up every drop of sauce.
- For an herbal kick, top with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of fresh oregano just before serving.
- Leftovers develop even deeper flavors; store in the fridge and reheat gently for easy next-day meals or freeze for up to three months.
- Try adding a handful of olives or capers for a zesty Mediterranean spin, or sneak in greens like spinach for extra nutrition.
