Low-Simmer Beef and Tomato Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

A hearty beef stew simmered gently with ripe tomatoes and root vegetables for a rich, comforting dish. This French-inspired low-carb recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes, then remove from pot.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 3 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
5. Step 5: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Remove bay leaf before serving.