Slow-Simmered Beef and Tomato Stew with Fresh Herbs
A hearty beef stew simmered slowly in a rich tomato base with garlic and fresh herbs for deep, comforting flavors. This mediterranean-inspired beef ready in about 200 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, 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 390 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion to the pot and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Return browned beef to the pot and pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 whole bay leaf, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until beef is tender and stew thickens. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Beef and Tomato Stew with Fresh Herbs 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-Simmered Beef and Tomato Stew with Fresh Herbs?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Beef and Tomato Stew with Fresh Herbs?
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-Simmered Beef and Tomato Stew with Fresh Herbs 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-Simmered Beef and Tomato Stew with Fresh Herbs?
Mediterranean 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.
