Description

Classic Beef Stew with Tender Meat and Rich Brown Sauce is a comforting, hearty dish featuring succulent beef chunks, smoky smoked turkey bacon, vibrant vegetables, and a deeply flavorful brown sauce made with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and natural ingredients. Slow-cooked to perfection, this stew boasts melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, a luscious texture from a natural gelling agent, and rich, balanced flavors. Ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prepping, it pairs beautifully with rustic bread or plant-based sides for a fulfilling, nourishing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized chunks
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Vegetables

2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Sauces (natural)

4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
1/2 cup grape juice

Herbs and Seasonings

2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Texture and Thickening

1 tablespoon natural gelling agent (such as pectin, agar, or carrageenan)

Instructions

Prepare and Brown the Beef: Start by cutting the beef chuck into generous, bite-sized chunks. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat a little oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, then brown the beef chunks in batches, ensuring they get a nice caramelized color. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics and Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same pot, add chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped smoked turkey bacon. Cook until the onions soften and the smoked turkey bacon releases its smoky aroma, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Pour in the grape juice to deglaze the pot, scraping the browned bits off the bottom. Stir in the tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and beef broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients into a rich, flavorful brown sauce.
Add Vegetables and Simmer: Add carrots, celery, cubed potatoes, fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and the natural gelling agent to the pot. Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Final Seasoning and Serve: Once the stew has thickened to your preference, remove the bay leaves and thyme stems. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives, alongside crusty rustic bread or your preferred plant-based side dishes.

Notes

Use a heavy-bottomed pot such as a Dutch oven or cast iron for even heat distribution and to prevent burning.
Be patient when browning the beef; this step is essential for developing deep, rich flavors.
Simmer the stew gently on low heat for the best tender meat and complex sauce.
Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to customize the thickness of the stew.
Add fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving for a fresh, bright flavor lift.
This stew stores well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it freezes for up to 3 months.
When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat and add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
For a plant-based version, substitute beef with hearty mushrooms or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: beef stew, classic beef stew, slow cooked beef, comfort food, rich brown sauce, tender beef, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, hearty stew, meal prep