Hearty Beef Stew Recipe | How I Feed My Family For Less

beef chuck

🥗Healthier: lean beef

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Lean beef reduces fat content while pork shoulder is often less expensive.

red wine

🥗Healthier: grape juice

💰Cheaper: beef broth

Grape juice adds sweetness without alcohol, while broth is cost-effective.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: canola oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Canola oil is lighter and often cheaper than olive oil.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasonings

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, and water with seasonings is budget-friendly.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add beef chuck and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, add onions and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in carrots and mushrooms; cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Return beef to the pot and pour in red wine; scrape the bottom to deglaze.

Add beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beef is tender.

Add potatoes and peas; cook for an additional 30 minutes until potatoes are soft.

Remove bay leaves and thyme stems before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: