Easy Beef Chunks Recipe
Cooking beef chunks until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender brings out the kind of comfort that fills both the kitchen and the heart. This recipe delivers deeply flavored, juicy bites of beef that can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. It is a meal that feels luxurious but comes together with very little effort.
Beef chunks are perfect for slow simmering. They absorb flavors from garlic, onions, and herbs while releasing rich juices that form a savory gravy. When cooked the right way, each bite is packed with flavor and texture. Whether you are using stew meat, chuck roast, or another tough cut, low and slow cooking will transform it into something truly special.
This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend meals that require minimal fuss. Once the prep is done, the beef cooks on its own with only occasional stirring. It is also great for meal prep because it reheats beautifully and can be used in many ways throughout the week.
Ingredients Needed
Here is a complete list of what you need to make this recipe, along with estimated calorie counts.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Beef chunks (stew meat) | 2 pounds | 1600 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Yellow onion (chopped) | 1 large | 60 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 | 20 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | 30 |
| Beef broth | 3 cups | 45 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon | 12 |
| All-purpose flour (optional) | 1 tablespoon | 30 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | 0 |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | 3 |
| Bay leaf | 1 | 0 |
Estimated Total Calories (entire batch): ~2040
(Serves approximately 6 portions)
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by patting the beef chunks dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season the meat with salt and pepper on all sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches so the pieces are not overcrowded. Sear each side until browned, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef.
In the same pot, reduce heat slightly and add chopped onions. Cook until they soften and turn golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. Add tomato paste and stir until it blends into the onions.
Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add thyme and a bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The meat should become fork-tender and the liquid will thicken slightly as it cooks.
If you want a thicker sauce, mix one tablespoon of flour with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking and let it simmer uncovered.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Once done, remove the bay leaf and serve the beef chunks hot with your choice of side.
Read more: Healthy Vegetarian Chili Recipe
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
You can easily add vegetables to this recipe. Carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers pair beautifully with beef and will soak up all the flavors of the sauce.
Use red wine in place of one cup of beef broth for a richer taste. Add it after browning the meat and let it simmer for a few minutes before continuing with the rest of the ingredients.
For extra heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste. You can also finish with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to brighten up the dish.
If you want to make this dish in a slow cooker, follow the same browning and sautéing steps, then transfer everything to the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
For a gluten free version, skip the flour or use a cornstarch slurry instead.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 of 6) contains approximately:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
This dish is high in protein and provides satisfying richness while keeping carbs relatively low. It is a great choice for hearty appetites or anyone following a low-carb diet.
Serving Suggestions
Beef chunks are extremely versatile. Serve them over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a classic meal. They are also delicious with white or brown rice, or alongside crusty bread that can soak up the sauce.
For a lighter pairing, try roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. A side of sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli adds freshness and color to the plate.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep them moist. They also freeze well, making this a perfect recipe to double and enjoy later.
Read more: Easy Homemade Beef Chili Recipe
Conclusion
Tender, juicy beef chunks simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce bring so much satisfaction to the dinner table. This recipe delivers comfort, warmth, and simplicity all in one pot. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can create a dish that tastes like it has been simmering all day.
It is perfect for feeding family or guests, but also ideal for making ahead. The leftovers only get better and can be reinvented in different ways throughout the week. Simple, delicious, and full of flavor, this beef chunks recipe is one you will want to make again and again.