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Simple Beef Stew
5 from 12 votes

Simple Beef Stew

Simple Beef Stew features beef chuck cubes dredged in seasoned flour and browned before simmering in a broth with carrots, celery, red potatoes, and aromatic herbs. The long simmer tenderizes the meat and blends flavors, resulting in a hearty stew with a thickened broth and tender vegetables.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 10 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 483 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Brown
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 2 pound beef chuck roast trimmed and cut into 1 to 2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Simmer
  • 10 cups water divided, filtered
  • 1/2 onion diced, large
  • 3-4 carrot peeled and sliced 1-inch thick, medium
  • 3-4 celery sliced 1/2-inch thick, stalks
  • 2 pounds potato cubed, red
  • 1/2 teaspoon basil dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

Brown the Meat
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper together. Dredge stew meat in the flour, coating completely. Set meat and flour aside.
  2. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or dutch oven. Add the meat (reserve the remaining flour in the bowl) and cook until just browned. If necessary, you can add a little more oil to the pot or a bit of water to keep the meat from burning.
  3. While meat is browning, whisk 1 cup of filtered water into whatever flour was left in the bowl until no lumps remain. Once the meat is browned, pour in flour and water mixture and an additional 7 cups of water. 
  4. Bring to a boil and reduce temperature so your meat is cooking at a simmer.
Cook for a Really Long Time
  1. Set your timer for 80 minutes and walk away. Check on the stew every 20 minutes or so, giving it a stir to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
Veggie Time
  1. Add your onion, celery, and carrots. Stir, bring back to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes.
  2. Add potatoes, basil, oregano, whole bay leaf, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Check salt and water level. If stew seems too thick, add up to 2 cups of water until it reaches your prefered consistency.
  3. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender. Taste and add more salt if necessary (you might need to add quite a lot). Remove bay leaf. Dish up and allow to cool in bowls for at least 5 minutes (or on the stove for at least 15) before serving.
  4. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 483kcal (24%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 483

% Daily Value*

Calories 483kcal 24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.