Beef Stew from Zippy's features tender chunks of slow-cooked beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in a savory, rich brown gravy, delivering a comforting and flavorful classic meal.
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Peeler
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 large carrots
- 3 medium potatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Using beef chuck is essential for achieving the tender texture that defines a good beef stew, as it becomes flavorful and soft when slow-cooked. Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions add heartiness, so ensure they are fresh to enhance the stew's natural sweetness and balance. Tomato paste, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce contribute depth and umami, making the broth rich and savory without overpowering the dish. Measuring ingredients accurately, especially flour to thicken the gravy, helps maintain the perfect consistency. Your careful selection of these ingredients will bring you closer to the authentic taste of Beef Stew from Zippy's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Prep all vegetables: Peel and chop onion, carrots, and potatoes; mince garlic.
- Heat vegetable oil in large pot/Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season beef chunks with salt and pepper.
- Brown beef in batches in the pot; set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in pot until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour over onion mixture; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add beef broth and water, stirring to dissolve flour.
- Return browned beef (and any juices) to pot.
- Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
- Bring to a simmer; cover and cook on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add carrots and potatoes.
- Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until vegetables and beef are tender.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Beef Stew from Zippy's copycat menu mimics the original by combining tender beef chunks, fresh vegetables, and a savory brown gravy for a hearty meal. If beef chuck is unavailable, you can substitute with beef brisket or stew meat, though cooking times may vary slightly to ensure tenderness. Use chicken or vegetable broth as a replacement for beef broth to adjust flavor according to your preference or dietary needs. When preparing, ensure vegetables are cut uniformly to guarantee even cooking, and always brown the beef thoroughly for enhanced depth of flavor. Your stew will benefit from slow simmering, but feel free to use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time without sacrificing taste.
Tips
When browning your beef chunks, do it in batches to ensure even searing and avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of browning. Use flour carefully; sprinkle it evenly over the sauteed onions and garlic to thicken the stew without forming lumps, stirring constantly. Keep a close eye on simmer times and gently stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the beef becomes tender. Your patience during the slow cooking process will result in a rich, flavorful gravy that ties the stew together perfectly.
Nutritions
Your beef stew from Zippy's provides a balanced combination of macronutrients with protein-rich beef chuck, which supports muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of hearty potatoes and carrots adds dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and essential minerals like potassium. Simmering the stew in beef broth enhances its mineral content while tomato paste contributes antioxidants such as lycopene. This nutrient-dense meal also offers moderate fat content from the vegetable oil and beef, contributing to sustained energy levels.
Storage
Store leftover Beef Stew in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Your stew will stay delicious for up to 3-4 days when kept cold at or below 40degF (4degC). For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute beef chuck with lamb shoulder for a richer flavor that complements the herbs. Using red wine instead of water enhances the depth of the gravy, adding complexity and brightness. For a thicker stew, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch mixed in cold water before adding to the pot. Slow cooking in a crockpot on low for 6-8 hours can also tenderize the meat and meld flavors gently if you prefer a hands-off method.
Allergies
Beef Stew from Zippy's contains common allergens such as soy, found in soy sauce, and wheat, present in all-purpose flour used as a thickening agent. If you have sensitivities to garlic or onions, be cautious as they are key ingredients in this recipe. Always check labels of Worcestershire sauce and beef broth for potential additives that might trigger allergies.
Why this recipe?
Zippy's Beef Stew is renowned for its rich, savory blend of tender beef chunks and hearty vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The slow-cooked process enhances the depth of flavors, making each bite warm and inviting. You will appreciate the balanced seasoning and the quality ingredients that set this dish apart from typical stews, providing a restaurant-quality experience at home. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to recreate that authentic taste and warmth, delivering a delicious homemade meal that captures Zippy's signature comfort perfectly.