Easy Lebanese Green Bean Stew
A comforting Lebanese stew of tender beef, fresh green beans, and aromatic tomato sauce with cinnamon, simmered slowly for a rich, flavorful, protein-packed, and fiber-rich one-pot meal perfect for everyday cooking.
Equipment
- 1 Dutch oven (4–6 quart)
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3 lb Beef chuck roast or stew meat
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- Black pepper a few grinds
- 1 medium Yellow onion diced
- ½ tsp Ground cinnamon
- 2 28 oz Cans tomato sauce
- 28 oz Water
- 1 lb Fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or canned/frozen)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking, tenderness, and consistent flavor absorption throughout the stew, making each bite succulent and flavorful.
- Brown the Meat: In a 4–6 quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Pat the beef dry, season generously with salt and black pepper, and brown in single layers. Remove each batch as it browns to prevent steaming, ensuring a rich, caramelized flavor base.
- Sauté the Onions: Add the diced yellow onions to the now-empty pot, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté until soft, translucent, and fragrant. Scrape the browned bits from the pot to incorporate that deep, roasted flavor into the stew.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot, sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the meat, and stir to evenly coat. Pour in the tomato sauce and water, ensuring the meat is fully submerged, then mix gently to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Stew: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Add Green Beans: Introduce the trimmed and cut green beans to the simmering stew. Continue cooking for an additional 90 minutes, or until the beans are soft, vibrant, and the beef is fork-tender, ensuring a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with rice or fresh bread, and enjoy the rich, aromatic, and wholesome flavors of this traditional Lebanese comfort dish.
Notes
- For the best flavor, brown the beef in small batches to ensure proper caramelization rather than steaming.
- Fresh green beans give the stew a vibrant texture, but frozen or canned beans can be used for convenience.
- The stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
- Adjust the cinnamon according to your taste; a pinch adds warmth without overpowering the tomato base.
- Serve with rice, crusty bread, or flatbreads to soak up the rich sauce.