Description

A single-serving beef stew that costs less than takeout, using chuck steak, red wine, and pantry staples to create a rich, restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz (227g) beef chuck steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup (120ml) red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir)
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small Yukon Gold potato, cubed
1 medium carrot, sliced into rounds
3/4 cup (180ml) low-sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or canola)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a 1.5-quart saucepan or small Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in a single layer until browned on all sides (2-3 minutes per side). Remove beef to a plate, leaving fond in the pan.
Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened (2-3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in red wine and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1 minute to cook off alcohol.
Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute until the paste darkens slightly.
Return beef to the pan with any juices. Add beef broth, potatoes, carrots, thyme, and bay leaf.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with lid slightly ajar and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until beef is fork-tender.
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in butter if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not skip searing the beef for maximum flavor. Use wine you would drink, not ‘cooking wine’. If the stew is too thin, simmer uncovered or use a cornstarch slurry. If the beef is tough, simmer longer. Potatoes may get mushy if frozen.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 600
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 4
Protein: 35

Keywords: budget cooking, stew for one, red wine stew, cheap dinner, chuck steak recipe, single serving meals, comfort food