Dutch Oven Beef and Onions Stew

This Dutch oven beef and onions stew is the perfect comfort food. The tender beef melts in your mouth and the caramelized onion sauce is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy it over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Why You'll Love Dutch Oven Beef and Onions Stew

This stew is a hearty and nutritious meal that will fill you up and leave your belly happy. The flavor of the beef, onions, and carrots is enhanced by the subtle sweetness of the beer. You'll love this stew for its easy preparation as it only requires one pot to create. And the one pot means cleaning up is a breeze.

Is this Recipe Healthy?

Yes, this recipe is healthy. It contains lean beef that provides protein and important vitamins and minerals. Make sure you cut off any visible, solid fat from the beef before cooking to reduce the saturated fat. To remove even more fat, chill the cooked stew and skim off and throw away the hardened fat layer at the top of the stew.

The onions, garlic, carrots, and herbs provide vitamins, minerals, and additional nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. You can turn this dish into a balanced meal by serving it with a side of whole grain bread. Eating lean proteins in combination with vegetables and whole grains is an excellent way to ensure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs for optimal health.

How to Make Dutch Oven Beef and Onions Stew

Prep the veggies and beef:

1. Peel the onions and cut them into thin slices. Set aside.
2. Peel the garlic cloves and cut them in half. Set aside.
3. Wash, peel, and slice the carrots and set aside.
4. Cut the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces. You can also ask the butcher to cut it for you.

Prepare the stew:

1. Season the beef pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven on medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add the seasoned beef and brown for 1 to 2 minutes on all sides. Remove the meat once all of it is browned and set aside.
3. Add the onions, carrots, and garlic to the Dutch oven. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and bay leaves. Cook on medium-low until the onions are soft, golden brown, and fragrant (around 30 minutes).
4. Add the beef back to the Dutch oven and cover it with the beer. Add the beef stock if needed.
5. Mix everything well and cook for 1 hour on low with the lid partially covering the Dutch oven so the steam can escape.
6. Serve over mashed potatoes if desired.

Tips & Variations for Dutch Oven Beef and Onions Stew

When it comes to making a great beef stew, follow these tips and try these variations.

• Don't rush the cooking process. Slow cooking is key. Cooking the stew over low heat for a longer period of time will tenderize the meat and bring out the flavors in your stew.
• Use a dark or toasted beef for the best flavor. But you can use any that is available. If you don't want to use beer at all, replace the beer with beef stock.
• Do not skip the caramelization of the onions. This step is crucial in achieving the final flavor of the dish. If you add the liquids to the Dutch oven before the onions have caramelized, the flavor will not be the same. 
• Add other types of vegetables to the stew, such as potatoes, celery, peas, mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, or corn.
• Include beans, such as chickpeas, white beans, or kidney beans for extra protein.
• Serve over Basic Rustic Mashed Potatoes with a piece of whole grain bread.

More Soup & Stew Recipes

• Crockpot Lasagna Soup
• Rosemary Red Wine Mushroom Beef Stew
• Veggie-Loaded Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Healthy Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Basil Soup

Dutch Oven Beef and Onions Stew FAQs

Bottom Line

Dutch oven beef and onions stew is an easy-to-make, hearty dish that's packed with protein and veggies. Serve it over brown rice, quinoa, or with a side of whole grain bread for a balanced meal.

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