Transport yourself to the cozy mountain huts of Switzerland with this hearty, soul-warming beef stew that’s been perfected over generations. This traditional Swiss mountain stew combines tender beef with root vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth that’s perfect for cold evenings. The slow-simmered meat becomes incredibly tender while the vegetables add natural sweetness and substance to create a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 900g diced beef (2 lbs) – roast beef, prime rib, or neck cut
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped (150g / 5.3 oz)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped (10g / 0.35 oz)
- 3-4 carrots, chunked (300g / 10.6 oz)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (150g / 5.3 oz)
- 3-4 medium potatoes, cubed (400g / 14 oz)
- 1 leek, sliced (200g / 7 oz)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (30g / 1 oz)
- 1.5L beef broth or water with stock (6 cups / 1.6 quarts)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, pepper, paprika to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (30ml / 1 fl oz)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add diced beef and brown on all sides until well-seared, about 6-8 minutes total.
- Add aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. If meat has released liquid, let it simmer briefly to evaporate before adding vegetables.
- Build the base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add beef broth and bay leaf.
- First simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes until meat begins to tenderize.
- Add vegetables: Add leek, celery, potatoes, and carrots to the pot. Add more water if needed to cover ingredients.
- Final cooking: Continue simmering covered for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender and meat is fork-tender.
- Season and serve: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Time and Serving Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Serves: 6-8 portions
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 285 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 4g
Why This Recipe is Healthy
This Swiss mountain beef stew is a nutritional powerhouse that provides sustained energy perfect for active mountain life. The lean beef delivers high-quality complete protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair, while also providing iron, zinc, and B-vitamins. The variety of root vegetables contributes complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins like beta-carotene from carrots and vitamin C from potatoes. The slow-cooking method preserves nutrients while breaking down tough meat fibers, making the protein more digestible. This one-pot meal offers balanced macronutrients and keeps you satisfied longer, making it ideal for cold weather when your body needs extra fuel for warmth and energy.