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Christmas Eve Beef Stew Dinner
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Christmas Eve Beef Stew Dinner

A hearty Christmas Eve beef stew made with tender beef chuck, potatoes, carrots, peas, and herbs simmered in a rich, savory broth.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 50 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 480kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine or additional beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold or red potatoes cut into chunks
  • 4 medium carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Pat the beef dry and toss with flour, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Brown the beef in batches and set aside.
  • Cook the onion and celery for 4–5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour in the wine or additional broth, scraping up the browned bits.
  • Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
  • Cover and simmer gently for about 90 minutes.
  • Add the potatoes and carrots. Cover and simmer for another 45–60 minutes, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
  • Add the peas during the final 5 minutes.
  • Remove the bay leaves, adjust the seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

  • For the most tender beef, use beef chuck and simmer until fork-tender.
  • Brown the beef in batches to develop a rich, savory flavor.
  • Replace the red wine with beef broth if preferred.
  • Add the potatoes and carrots after the beef has simmered to help prevent overcooking.
  • Add the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes.
  • If the stew is too thin, simmer uncovered until it reaches your preferred consistency.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Serve warm with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a cozy Christmas Eve meal.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg