Secret Ingredient Beef Stew

Warm up your kitchen with the heartiest and most flavorful "Secret Ingredient Beef Stew." This comforting classic takes a delectable twist with an unexpected addition of unsweetened cocoa powder, which adds a subtle richness and depth to the stew's savory profile. Tender chunks of beef chuck are browned to perfection and simmered alongside vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes in a rich, aromatic broth infused with thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and the unique cocoa touch. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping, this one-pot wonder is simmered low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth beef and a savory, complex flavor you'll crave all year long. Serve it with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience. Ideal for slow-cooking enthusiasts and lovers of hearty, unique beef stew recipes, this dish is bound to become your new go-to for chilly evenings!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:145 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 0.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 celery stalks, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (secret ingredient)
• 1 cup frozen peas

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the beef cubes and toss to coat evenly.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, and transfer them to a plate. Do not overcrowd the pot.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften them.

Step 5

Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste. Add the bay leaves, thyme sprigs, Worcestershire sauce, and the secret ingredient: cocoa powder. Mix well to incorporate.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well-developed.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.

Step 8

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and cook until heated through.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.

Step 10

Serve the beef stew hot with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2986.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3189.9

Total Fat 212.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.9g
Cholesterol 680.4mg	0%
Sodium 9701.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 137.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.4g	0%
Total Sugars 39.4g
Protein 198.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 526.5mg	0%
Iron 35.7mg	0%
Potassium 6461.0mg	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: 58.8%

Protein: 24.3%

Carbs: 16.8%