Craving a comforting, flavorful stew without sacrificing your healthy eating goals? This Weight Watchers-friendly beef stew is the perfect solution! Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and unbelievably satisfying. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a delicious example of healthy meals made simple. This recipe is one of the best recipes for a satisfying and guilt-free dinner. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that’s both easy on your waistline and your time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup chopped potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, check your points)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. This step helps to develop a richer flavor. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine and simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, add the potatoes, mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
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Serve and enjoy: Once the stew is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Stew:
- Use lean beef: Opting for lean beef stew meat helps to keep the dish lower in fat and calories.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: When searing the beef, work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding the pot will steam the beef instead of searing it.
- Low and slow is key: Simmering the stew on low heat for a longer period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become incredibly tender.
- Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or green beans.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like bay leaf or oregano.
- Make it a slow cooker meal: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities. However, generally expect this recipe to be relatively low in calories and high in protein.
This Weight Watchers beef stew is a perfect example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. It's a satisfying and flavorful meal that's easy to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your weekly meal plan. Enjoy!