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When you’re craving a hearty but healthy dinner this Persian inspired Herb and Beef Stew with rice is the perfect thing to make. Make it quick in the Instant Pot, or go low and slow in the slow cooker or oven (pick your method!). Using healthy ingredients like turmeric, lemon, spinach, and plenty of fresh herbs, this dish is hearty and full of flavor. Finish each bowl off with steamed rice and a sprinkle of goat cheese for a truly cozy winter dinner that’s vibrant, fresh, and delicious!
Some of you may remember, but last year I shared a vegetarian version of this stew. I was so nervous to share that recipe. I wasn’t sure how everyone would feel about an herb stew, or about stew in general. However, over the last year, I’ve quickly learned that you all love a good stew recipe. Almost vegan, or more traditional, either way, you guys seemed to have really enjoyed the two stew recipes I shared.
Today’s recipe was made with one person in mind, my oldest brother, Creighton. The truth is that Creighton loves any kind of beef recipe, but stew and meatloaf are probably his two favorites. I’ve hesitated for years to make a beef stew, but finally caved in this past fall. The meatloaf? I’m still not ready for that, simply because the thought of photographing a loaf of meat scares the heck out of me. Stupid reason, I know, but I have the hardest time sharing recipes when I don’t also enjoy the photos. So for right now, I’m still avoiding the meatloaf…
Anyway, stew on the other hand? Stew I can create and not only make look decent, but taste even better. Enter this Persian inspired (inspired being the keyword) herb and beef stew. It’s made using Persian herbs and spices, it’s warming, hearty, and the perfect wintery meal.
Here are the details.
Start with the beef. The amazing thing about beef stew is that you can use a cheaper cut of meat, but still make it taste incredible. Cooking the beef low and slow helps to tenderize it and rid the beef of any toughness. If you don’t have time to cook low and slow, I also tested this recipe out in the instant pot and was surprised by just how good the beef turned out. It’s tender and not at all chewy. So while I prefer the slow cooker or oven, using the Instant Pot in a time crunch works wonderfully as well!
Here’s the key, I like to brown the beef before adding any kind of liquid. I know it’s an additional step, but I find it makes for a more flavorful stew. Brown the beef, then simply add in the liquids. Cover and cook until the beef is super tender. Pretty simple, nothing fancy, just the way any stew recipe should be.
Now, let’s talk about the herbs.
The herbs are what set this stew apart and make it especially delicious. Traditionally, a Persian herb stew has cilantro, parsley, and chives. Saffron is also typical, but it’s a more pricy ingredient and I didn’t have any in my pantry, so I left that out. I’m sure it would be delicious though. If you have some around, go ahead and add a pinch!
Since these are tender herbs, stir them in towards the end of cooking, along with white beans and baby spinach for even more nutrients and color. Hey, it’s Healthy January…the more proteins and greens the better!
And that’s it, just add the herbs and the stew will be complete and ready to enjoy!
Here is how you should serve this stew.
Most stews are served with potatoes or noodles, but this stew is different and is best served with rice. I like steamed basmati best, but any rice will do! You could even use quinoa for a healthier option. Spoon the rice into your bowls, spoon the stew over top, and finish with fresh herbs and crumbled goat cheese. The cheese, while not traditional, is a must, it adds a creamy, tangy touch with every bite.
Additionally, I would also serve this stew with fresh Naan. But that’s just me, I tend to pair most foods with Naan. It’s such a favorite over here. I usually find a reason to pair it with as many dishes as possible.
When I made this originally, it was cold and snowy, so perfect stew weather. We have snow in the forecast for this weekend, so I have a very good feeling this will be our Sunday night dinner. Already very much looking forward to it!
If you make this Persian herb and beef stew, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Persian Inspired Herb and Beef Stew with Rice
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 1162 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck, trimmed and cubed
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3-4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 14 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 14 ounce can white beans, drained
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- crumbled feta or goat cheese, for serving
- fresh mint, for serving
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- 1. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, sear the beef on both sides. Remove the beef and transfer to the slow cooker. 2. To the slow cooker, add the onion, garlic, turmeric, crushed red pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 cups broth, the tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. During the last hour of cooking, add the beans, spinach, cilantro, parsley, dill, and chives. If you would like a thinner consistency, add the remaining 1 cup broth.3. To serve, divide the rice among bowls and ladle the stew over top. Top with cheese and herbs.
Instant Pot
- 1. Switch the instant pot to sauté. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Sear the beef on both sides until browned. Turn the instant pot off.2. To the instant pot, add the onion, garlic, turmeric, crushed red pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 cups broth, the tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Seal the instant pot and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.3. Switch the instant pot to sauté. Add the beans, spinach, cilantro, parsley, dill, and chives. Boil 8-10 minutes until the the sauce thickens slightly. If you would like a thinner consistency, add the remaining 1 cup broth.4. To serve, divide the rice among bowls and ladle the stew over top. Top with cheese and herbs.
Oven
- 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe braiser, sear the beef on both sides. Remove the beef to a plate. Add the onion and cook 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic, turmeric, crushed red pepper, and lemon zest, cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. 2. Add back the beef. Pour in the 3 cups broth, the tomatoes, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours or until the beef is tender.3. Remove from the oven and place over low heat. Stir in the beans, spinach, cilantro, parsley, dill, and chives, and simmer 10-15 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the stew is very fragrant. If you would like a thinner consistency, add the remaining 1 cup broth.4. To serve, divide the rice among bowls and ladle the stew over top. Top with cheese and herbs.
This post was originally published on January 16, 2020
Hi! This recipe sounds amazing! Was going to make it today via slow cooker, but just realized I do not have any fire roasted diced tomatoes! Do you think regular diced tomatoes would do the trick? Thanks! Enjoy all your recipes!
Hey Kelsey,
Yes, those will work just fine! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
One of my favorite recipes! I love all the herbs and the beef is so tender. I used the crockpot & I’ve made it twice now, one with regular diced tomato and subbed the beans with red beans and the second with the fire-roasted and used white beans. I prefer the red bean version w. extra spinach… because HEALTH!. I omitted the cheese both times. I also made Tahdig (Persian crusted rice), and it was so delicious!
My Persian friend would make Ghormeh Sabzi when we lived in the same city and craved it recently after we both moved away to the opposite end of the US. I was craving Ghormeh and decided to try your recipe. Your recipe will be added to our regular meal rotation. Delicious delicious delicious!
Thank you!
A
Hey there,
Thanks for making the recipe, I am so delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Thank you for this wonderful recipe. It’s cold and snowy here in DC so this was perfect. I followed the directions exactly except for the herbs. I had only fresh parsley and cilantro. Served over rice with feta. This stew is hearty but surprisingly light. We loved it. This is a keeper for sure (and super easy too)
Hey Kathie,
I am so thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for trying it out!! xTieghan
I’ve made both this stew and the vegan version with chickpeas only and then made another version with chicken and pinto beans (with shredded carrots, ripe tomatoes, and extra herbs). We LOVE this mix of herbs, seems to be a pretty forgiving recipe! So nice for a change of pace. ?
Hey Cindy,
I am so thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for trying it out!! xTieghan
I have made this 3 times and it is fantastic! Thanks so much! Friends and family loved it! So flavourful!
Hey Deb,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! Happy Sunday:) xTieghan
Cooking this for lunch today, and so excited! My dad is from Iran, so we always have saffron on hand, so I added (more than) a pinch and I am using lamb instead of beef. I just wanted to suggest you making tahdig to eat with this stew…you will love it! I cook my tahdig with potatoes (I’m still half-American 🙂 ) and it’s yummy! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Hey Emily,
Thank you so much for giving the recipe a go, I am so glad you loved it! xTieghan
Tieghan- this looks amazing! I actually have all these ingredients home to make it so we’re having it for dinner tonight, but question on the beans! I only have fried beans so I’m going to cook them up, but would garbanzo work or so you recommend a more buttery white bean like the great northern? Thanks!!
Hey Danielle,
Really any bean that you like would work here. I hope you enjoy the recipe. Let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made this last night and WOW, so incredible!! The fresh herbs and lemon brighten up the dish! We added freshly grated Parmesan on top for the cheese and served over basmati rice. Will be making again ASAP! Perfect for chilly Pittsburgh nights.
Hey Nicole,
Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, I am thrilled that you liked it! I hope you have a great week:) xTieghan
Another incredible meal! The goat cheese on top was the PERFECT add to pull it together. Thank you!
Hey Carrie,
I am so glad that the recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week:) xTieghan
My entire family loved this! The fresh herbs really make this brighter than the stew I usually make. I had both feta and goat cheese so everyone used their favorite. Thank you for another delicious recipe!
Hey Ana,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Sunday! xTieghan
Hi, I’m eager to try this. Did you use canned white beans (cannellni) or beans that need to be soaked? Thanks
Hey there,
I used canned white beans. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I have this simmering away for dinner and it smells and tastes soooooooo good! I love how adventurous you are with your spices. This is the perfect way to use up the fresh herbs we get from the CSA. Thanks for sharing these recipes with us and stretching our family’s palate with new flavors and inspirations.
Hey Marilu,
I am thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks for making it! I hope you have an awesome weekend:) xTieghan
I’m thinking I might want to try this with lamb. Any thoughts?
Hey Kate,
I haven’t tried this with lamb, but I think it would work well! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Seems to be with limited experience to name this a Persian-inspired dish. For it to be remotely close to taking on any sort of inspiration it would need much more than turmeric as a spice. Naming it Middle Eastern-inspired would do your knowledge and experience better justice. It’s far too specific despite your efforts in emphasising your intention, and has clearly offended many Persians whose culture is centred around food. This not only affects their perception of your level of professionalism, but those who are non-Persian and agree.
HI there! I was inspired by a Persian recipe when creating this dish! That is why I named it as I did. I hope you understand! xTieghan
Tieghan – these flavors are FANTASTIC together! Absolutely delicious!
Hey Lee,
I am thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan