Are you craving a hearty, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or your health goals? Look no further than this mouthwatering Weight Watchers Beef Stew! Imagine tender beef chunks, perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to perfection, nestled among soft, savory vegetables that practically dissolve on your tongue. This isn't just a stew - it's a culinary experience that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking and lean protein.
- Season beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, and thyme, coating each piece thoroughly to enhance flavor profile.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Brown beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich golden-brown crust without overcrowding the pan, which will take approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Remove browned beef and set aside, then add chopped onions and minced garlic to the same pot, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Return beef to the pot and pour in beef broth, scraping bottom of pan to release any browned bits for additional flavor.
- Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the stew, ensuring vegetables are roughly chopped to similar sizes for consistent cooking.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer slowly for approximately 2 hours until beef becomes tender and vegetables are soft.
- Periodically stir stew and check liquid levels, adding additional broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as required before serving.
- Let stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
Tips
- Choose the right cut of beef: Chuck roast is ideal for stews because it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Brown your meat in batches: Don't overcrowd the pan! This ensures each beef cube develops a rich, golden crust that locks in flavor.
- Low and slow is the key: Simmering the stew on low heat for 2 hours helps break down tough meat fibers and blend seasonings perfectly.
- Cut vegetables uniformly: This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the stew.
- Let it rest: Allowing the stew to sit for 10 minutes before serving helps flavors meld and sauce thicken naturally.
- Watch your liquid levels: Add extra broth if needed to prevent sticking and maintain a perfect consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Always season to your preference and don't be afraid to add a little extra thyme or pepper at the end.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
