Grandma Bessie's Beef Stew

Warm, hearty, and bursting with nostalgic flavor, Grandma Bessie’s Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food classic. Tender chunks of seared beef chuck simmer gently in a rich, herb-infused broth accompanied by a medley of carrots, celery, and russet potatoes. A splash of red wine and a dollop of tomato paste elevate the flavor profile, while the finishing touch of peas and fresh parsley adds vibrant color and freshness. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this soul-soothing stew is made using simple ingredients and a slow-cooking method, allowing every bite to be deeply flavorful and satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread for an unforgettable meal that’s as comforting as a hug from grandma herself.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:170 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the carrot chunks, celery, and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.

Step 5

Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir well to coat the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.

Step 6

Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 7

Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth. Add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, and stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3783.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3772.8

Total Fat 214.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 680.4mg	0%
Sodium 7060.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 225.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.8g	0%
Total Sugars 48.0g
Protein 207.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 639.6mg	0%
Iron 37.9mg	0%
Potassium 8860.5mg	0%

*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: 52.8%

Protein: 22.6%

Carbs: 24.6%