Hearty Beef and Broccoli Stew: A Wholesome Comfort Bowl

Hearty Beef and Broccoli Stew combines the comforting richness of slow-cooked beef with the vibrant freshness of broccoli, creating a bowl that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Drawing inspiration from classic stews but reinvented with nutritious greens and bold flavors, this dish is a testament to the art of layering texture and taste. Each tender morsel of beef melts in your mouth while the broccoli adds a fresh, crisp contrast-making every spoonful satisfy both body and soul.

Prep and Cook Time

Preparation: 25 minutes   | Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes   | Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Yield

Serves 6 hearty portions

Difficulty Level

Medium – Perfect for home cooks looking to deepen their stew-making skills with thoughtful layering of flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (check for gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced thick
• 3 large stalks broccoli, cut into bite-size florets and blanched
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels to ensure a golden sear. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until each piece is browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onion until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Deglaze and build flavors: Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors. Pour in the beef broth, water, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful browned bits.
4. Simmer the stew: Return the seared beef to the pot along with bay leaves, carrots, and potatoes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally, adding more water if the stew thickens too much.
5. Prepare the broccoli: While the stew simmers, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and preserve color.
6. Finish the stew: Once the beef and root vegetables are tender, stir in the blanched broccoli. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp flour with cold water to create a slurry and stir it in. Let simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the stew to thicken gently.
7. Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the hearty stew beautifully.

Chef’s Notes

• Choosing the right beef: For the richest flavor and ideal tenderness, beef chuck is the best cut, offering enough marbling to remain juicy after long cooking.
• Broccoli tips: Blanching broccoli before adding it to the stew prevents it from becoming mushy and retains its vibrant color and nutrients. If you prefer softer broccoli, add it earlier during the simmering stage.
• Make-ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
• Flavor variations: For extra depth, add a star anise or a cinnamon stick during simmering, removing before serving.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and skip the flour or substitute with cornstarch slurry for thickening.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your hearty beef and broccoli stew in deep bowls for that comforting feel. Pair it with crusty whole-grain bread to soak up every flavorful drop or a simple side of steamed jasmine rice. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an added textural twist. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a cooling contrast to the robust stew, if desired.