Hearty & Healthy Beef Stew with Zucchini Noodles
Try this Hearty and Healthy Beef Stew with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
Try this Hearty and Healthy Beef Stew with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 3 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 3 carrots peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks diced
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 lb beef stew chunks
- 4 large zucchinis blade a
- freshly chopped parsley to garnish
- Carbohydrate 13.6886824025451 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.541287395833333 g
- Fiber 2.81664998964469 g
- Protein 1.84411427083333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.180677291666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -4 (589g)
- Sodium 1042.99550381023 mg
- Sugar 10.8720324129005 g
- Trans Fat 0.0822942708333334 g
- Calories 65 calories
Step-by-step
- Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add in the olive oil.
- Add in the beef chunks and cook until browned. Remove from the saucepan and set aside in a bowl.
- In the juices left in the pan from the beef, add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Then, add in the red onions and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute and then add in the celery and carrots.
- Cook for 2 minutes to let the vegetables sweat and then add back in the beef chunks.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and cayenne pepper and stir to combine.
- Then, season with salt and pepper and add in the beef broth and diced tomatoes.
- Place the bay leaves on top and cover to bring to a boil.
- Once brought to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook for 40 minutes, covered.
- Then, remove the cover and let simmer uncovered for 35 more minutes or until the stew thickens.
- Divide the zucchini noodles into bowls and top evenly with spoonfuls of the stew.
- Let the stew cook a couple minutes over the zucchini noodles and enjoy, garnished with a bit of fresh parsley!
Hearty and Healthy Beef Stew with Zucchini Noodles: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like an impossible task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house running smoothly, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and nutritious recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This Hearty and Healthy Beef Stew with Zucchini Noodles is one of those recipes – a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity. It's packed with flavor, thanks to the rich beef broth, aromatic herbs, and a touch of spice, yet requires minimal prep time. I love using zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. It's a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables and lighten up the dish. Zucchini noodles cook quickly, so you don't need to worry about overcooking them. And honestly, they hold up beautifully to the hearty beef stew. The combination is surprisingly satisfying and won't leave you feeling sluggish.
Why this recipe is a game-changer:
- Time-saving: The entire recipe comes together in under an hour. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table quickly.
- Healthy and delicious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor, this stew is a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or potatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Budget-friendly: The ingredients are readily available and affordable, making it a great option for meal planning on a budget.
- Family-friendly: This stew is a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters. The tender beef and flavorful sauce will appeal to everyone.
I usually make a big batch of this stew on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for easy weeknight meals. Just reheat a portion, top with some fresh zucchini noodles, and dinner is served! It's also great for meal prepping. You can prep the beef stew ahead of time and store it separately from the zucchini noodles. Then, assemble your meals as needed throughout the week.
Tips and variations:
- Slow cooker option: For an even easier approach, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef as directed, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or peas.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve the stew over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a more substantial meal.
- Leftovers are a treat: The stew tastes even better the next day, so make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Beyond the recipe:
This recipe isn’t just about the delicious food; it’s about the ease and joy of creating a comforting, nourishing meal for your family. In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for simple pleasures is vital. This recipe allows you to do exactly that – creating a wholesome meal without compromising on taste or time. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and the right recipe, you can create delicious and healthy meals that your entire family will love. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the satisfaction of making a flavorful, healthy meal for yourself and your loved ones.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, give this Hearty and Healthy Beef Stew with Zucchini Noodles a try. You won't be disappointed!
