Beef Stew – A Comforting Classic Made Lighter

Rich, savory, and loaded with tender beef and hearty vegetables, this lighter Beef Stew is the ultimate cozy meal for chilly days. By using lean cuts of beef, plenty of vegetables, and a flavorful broth, you get all the comfort of a classic stew without unnecessary heaviness.

Perfect for Sunday dinners, weeknight family meals, or meal-prepping for the week, this stew is simple to prepare and gets better as it sits—making it just as delicious the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Hearty: Classic comfort food flavor in a lighter package.
Balanced & Nourishing: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.
One-Pot Magic: Easy cleanup and minimal fuss.
Great for Leftovers: Flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs lean beef stew meat, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened.

3. Build the Flavor
Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the beef back into the pot along with beef broth, water, and bay leaves. Stir well.

4. Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and flavors have melded.

5. Thicken (Optional)
For a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.

6. Serve
Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 28g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for the Best Stew

• Choose the Right Beef: Lean cuts like chuck roast trimmed of fat give tenderness without excess grease.
• Low & Slow: Long simmering ensures tender meat and rich flavor.
• Make Ahead: The stew tastes even better the next day after flavors deepen.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, parsnips, or peas for extra nutrients.

Why This Recipe Works

By focusing on lean beef, wholesome vegetables, and rich seasonings, this stew gives you the hearty satisfaction of the original dish in a lighter, balanced way. It’s warm, nourishing, and perfect for bringing the family together around the table.