Classic Beef Stew

  • Prep 25 min
  • Total 3 hr 45 min
  • Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or shortening
  • 1 lb boneless beef chuck, tip or round roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large unpeeled potato, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

Steps

  • 1
    In 12-inch skillet or 4-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes. Add beef; cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown on all sides.
  • 2
    Add water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cover; simmer 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes or until beef is almost tender.
  • 3
    Stir in remaining ingredients except cold water and flour. Cover; cook about 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf.
  • 4
    In tightly covered jar or container, shake cold water and flour; gradually stir into beef mixture. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute until thickened.

  • A classic flour and water slurry is a good way to thicken a beef stew. Be sure to bring the stew to a rolling boil and cook for about 1 minute, or just until thickened. If you cook it too long the flour will break down and the thickening will be lost.
  • Infuse some herbal or citrus notes to the dark richness of the stew by adding a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley or oregano or sprinkling on some grated lemon or orange zest just before serving.
  • Chuck, tip or round beef roast are all good choices for a long simmer. The ratio of marbled fat and collagen in the meat keep it moist and tender during a long braise.
  • To save time, use a 1-pound bag of frozen mixed vegetables instead of chopping carrots, potato, bell pepper, celery and onion. There's no need to thaw the vegetables; just stir them into the beef mixture in step 3. Continue as directed in the recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
350
Calories from Fat
150
Total Fat
17g
26%
Saturated Fat
6g
28%
Trans Fat
1/2g
Cholesterol
65mg
22%
Sodium
980mg
41%
Potassium
980mg
28%
Total Carbohydrate
24g
8%
Dietary Fiber
4g
16%
Sugars
4g
Protein
24g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
80%
80%
Vitamin C
30%
30%
Calcium
6%
6%
Iron
25%
25%
Exchanges:
0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 1 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 3 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
1 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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