Hearty, nutritious, delicious! This high-protein Dutch oven beef stew fuels your day the delicious way — a rich, comforting stew packed with protein, vegetables and bold flavor, made easy in one pot, plus seven more protein-packed variations.
Browse the Recipes
- High-Protein Dutch Oven Beef Stew
- High-Protein Chicken Stew
- High-Protein Turkey Chili
- High-Protein Beef and Lentil Stew
- High-Protein Greek Beef Stew
- High-Protein Mexican Beef Stew
- High-Protein Beef Bone Broth Stew
- High-Protein Steak and Veggie Stew
- High-Protein Stew Success Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Classic RecipeHearty • Nutritious • Delicious
High-Protein Dutch Oven Beef Stew
The Original + Protein Packed + Comfort Food
The beloved classic: rich beef stew packed with protein, vegetables and bold flavor.
You need: 600g (1.3 lb) lean beef chuck (cut into cubes), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 3 medium carrots (sliced), 3 celery stalks (sliced), 500g (1.1 lb) baby potatoes (halved), 1 cup frozen peas, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium beef broth, 1 cup water, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt and black pepper to taste, 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Make it: Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned. Set aside. Saute the onion 3-4 minutes, then the garlic, carrots and celery for 5 more minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf and smoked paprika. Pour in the broth and water, scraping the bottom to deglaze, and return the beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 1 hour. Add the baby potatoes, cover and simmer 20-25 more minutes. Stir in the peas and cook 5 minutes. Thicken with the cornstarch slurry if desired.
Protein-Packed Variations7 Ways to Fuel Your Day
High-Protein Chicken Stew
Lean + Light + Comforting
The high-protein stew made with chicken breast for a leaner bowl.
You need: 600g chicken breast (cubed), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, 500g baby potatoes, 1 cup peas, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper
Make it: Sear the chicken until golden and set aside. Saute the vegetables, build flavor with tomato paste and herbs, add broth, return the chicken, and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Add peas last.
High-Protein Turkey Chili
Bold + Hearty + Crowd Pleaser
Lean ground turkey with beans and peppers in a smoky chili.
You need: 600g lean ground turkey, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 bell pepper, 2 cans kidney beans (drained), 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Make it: Brown the turkey. Saute the onion, garlic and pepper. Add the spices, tomato paste, beans, tomatoes and broth. Simmer 30-40 minutes until thick.
High-Protein Beef and Lentil Stew
Double Protein + Hearty + Fiber Rich
The classic stew boosted with lentils for double the protein.
You need: 500g lean beef chuck, 1 cup green lentils, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp thyme, 1 bay leaf, 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
Make it: Sear the beef. Saute the vegetables, add tomato paste and herbs, then the lentils and broth. Simmer 45-50 minutes until the lentils are tender.
High-Protein Greek Beef Stew
Mediterranean + Fresh + Feta
The classic stew with Greek flavors — tomatoes, olives and feta.
You need: 600g lean beef chuck, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp oregano, 4 cups low-sodium beef broth, 1/2 cup crumbled feta (to serve)
Make it: Sear the beef. Saute the onion and garlic, add tomato paste, oregano, tomatoes, olives and broth. Simmer until tender. Top with crumbled feta.
High-Protein Mexican Beef Stew
Smoky + Spicy + Bold
The classic stew with chipotle, black beans and corn.
You need: 600g lean beef chuck, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 can black beans (drained), 1 cup corn, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp cumin, 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
Make it: Sear the beef. Saute the onion, garlic and chipotles, add cumin, tomatoes, beans, corn and broth. Simmer until tender. Serve with lime.
High-Protein Beef Bone Broth Stew
Collagen Rich + Healing + Golden
The classic stew made with homemade-style bone broth for extra protein.
You need: 600g lean beef chuck, 2 lbs beef bones, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, 500g baby potatoes, 1 cup peas, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 8 cups water
Make it: Simmer the bones with vinegar and water for 12 hours for the broth. Strain, then use the broth to make the classic stew. Add peas last.
High-Protein Steak and Veggie Stew
Light + Colorful + Weeknight
Sirloin steak with colorful vegetables in a light savory broth.
You need: 600g sirloin steak (cubed), 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 head broccoli, 2 bell peppers, 1 cup snap peas, 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 cups low-sodium beef broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce
Make it: Sear the steak quickly and set aside. Saute the onion, garlic and peppers, add the broth and soy sauce, then the broccoli and snap peas. Return the steak and simmer 10 minutes.
High-Protein Stew Success Tips
- Sear in batches. Brown the meat in small batches for deep flavor — crowding steams instead of sears.
- Keep the heat low. A gentle simmer keeps lean cuts tender instead of tough.
- Add vegetables in stages. Root vegetables go in early; delicate peas and greens go in last.
- Thicken naturally. A cornstarch slurry thickens without extra calories.
- Serve with whole grains. Brown rice or quinoa pairs perfectly and adds even more protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein is in beef stew?
A serving of this beef stew has around 35-40g of protein thanks to lean beef chuck and protein-rich broth.
Can I freeze high-protein beef stew?
Yes — cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
What is the best cut for high-protein stew?
Lean beef chuck is best — it stays tender during long simmering and is packed with protein.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes — sear the beef first, then cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
What should I serve with it?
Brown rice or quinoa, whole-grain bread, a fresh green salad, or Greek yogurt all pair perfectly.