Beef Chunks Recipe – Tender, Juicy & Flavorful
A hearty beef chunks recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or cozy weekend meals. Tender, juicy pieces of beef simmered in a flavorful sauce make a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Whether you’re making a classic beef stew or a simple skillet dinner, this recipe guarantees succulent beef chunks with rich, savory flavors. Perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike!
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (480 ml)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Season beef chunks – Sprinkle salt, pepper, and 1 tsp paprika over beef chunks. Toss to coat evenly.
- Brown the beef – Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef chunks on all sides (2–3 minutes per side). Remove beef and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables – In the same pan, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze and add liquids – Stir in tomato paste, remaining paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return beef to pan – Add browned beef chunks back into the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
- Optional thickening – Mix 2 tbsp flour with a little water to form a slurry. Stir into the simmering sauce and cook 5–10 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice, potatoes, or bread.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Serving Size: 1 serving (~1 cup beef chunks with sauce)
Tips & Variations
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown beef chunks and sauté vegetables, then transfer to slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or 1 chopped chili for heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Add potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Wine Addition: Replace ½ cup beef broth with red wine for deeper richness.
- Make Ahead: The dish tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil: Use 1 tsp olive oil or cooking spray to brown beef.
- Gluten-Free: Omit flour or use cornstarch as a thickener.
- Keto-Friendly: Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted veggies instead of starchy sides.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this beef chunks recipe over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal.
With tender beef and rich sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast is ideal for tenderness, but brisket or stew meat also works.
Q2: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown beef, then pressure cook for 35 minutes on high.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store cooled beef chunks with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Q4: How do I thicken the sauce without flour?
Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or use cornstarch slurry for gluten-free thickening.
Q5: Can I make this vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with mushrooms, tofu, or seitan, and use vegetable broth.
