Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Bitter Herb and Citrus Infusion
A hearty beef stew slow-cooked with bitter herbs and fresh lemon peel to add a distinctive depth and complexity to the rich, tender meat. This french-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, extra virgin olive oil, large yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tbsp lemon peel, thin strips
- 1 tsp dried wormwood (or substitute with dried sage)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown for 4-5 minutes on all sides until deep caramelization develops. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onion becomes translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen flavor.
- Step 4: Return the beef to the pot and add 4 cups beef broth, 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 tbsp thin lemon peel strips, and 1 tsp dried wormwood. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Remove herb sprigs before serving. The subtle bitterness from wormwood and lemon peel balances the richness of the beef beautifully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Bitter Herb and Citrus Infusion take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Bitter Herb and Citrus Infusion?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Bitter Herb and Citrus Infusion?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Bitter Herb and Citrus Infusion for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow-Cooked Beef Stew with Bitter Herb and Citrus Infusion?
French beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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