This herbal beef stew is a soul-warming, nutrient-dense dish featuring tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and a deeply flavorful broth enriched with medicinal herbs and spices. It’s designed not just to satisfy hunger but to support wellness—especially during cooler months or times of physical recovery. The slow-cooked method allows collagen from the beef to release into the broth, while herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
Perfect for family meals, this stew can be adapted for different health goals—whether you’re aiming to support joint strength, boost immunity, or simply enjoy a wholesome, grounding dish.
🧂 Ingredients
🥩 Main Ingredients:
- 500g beef stew meat (preferably grass-fed, cut into 2-inch chunks)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 cups baby potatoes or chopped regular potatoes
- 1 stalk celery (optional, for added minerals and flavor)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth and lycopene)
- 4 cups bone broth or water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from bones)
🌿 Herbs & Spices:
- 1 tsp dried thyme (anti-inflammatory, respiratory support)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (circulation and memory support)
- 2 bay leaves (digestive and calming)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder (joint and skin health)
- ½ tsp black pepper (enhances turmeric absorption)
- ½ tsp paprika or chili flakes (optional, for warmth)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish
🧪 Optional Add-ins for Wellness:
- 1 tbsp grated ginger (anti-inflammatory, digestive)
- ½ cup chopped spinach or kale (added minerals and fiber)
- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (blood sugar support, optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Beef
- Pat the beef dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or ghee over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef in batches, searing each side for 2–3 minutes. This step locks in flavor.
- Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add garlic, tomato paste, and optional ginger. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Stew Base
- Return the beef to the pot.
- Add carrots, potatoes, celery, and any optional greens.
- Pour in bone broth or water and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, turmeric, black pepper, and paprika.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer Slowly
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Stir occasionally and check liquid levels. Add water if needed.
- The stew is ready when beef is fork-tender and broth is rich and slightly thickened.
5. Final Touches
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander before serving.
🧠 Why This Stew Supports Wellness
- Beef & Bone Broth: Rich in collagen, zinc, and iron—supports joint health, immunity, and energy.
- Turmeric & Black Pepper: Anti-inflammatory duo that helps reduce joint pain and oxidative stress.
- Thyme & Rosemary: Traditional herbs with antimicrobial and circulatory benefits.
- Vegetables: Provide fiber, vitamins, and slow-digesting carbs for sustained energy.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Enhances mineral extraction and supports digestion.
🌱 Variations & Tips
- For Joint Support: Add 1 tbsp gelatin powder or use slow-cooked beef shank with bone.
- For Diabetic-Friendly Version: Replace potatoes with turnips or cauliflower.
- For Kids: Use sweet potatoes and skip chili flakes for a naturally sweet, mild version.
- For Extra Depth: Add a splash of tamari or Worcestershire sauce during simmering.