Za'atar Beef & Root Vegetable Stew

Why This Recipe

A warm, aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired beef stew where za’atar brings bright, herby, sesame-tangy notes that pair beautifully with the natural sweetness of sweet potato and carrots. Tender ground beef and celery create savory depth, while tomatoes and a touch of smoked paprika round it out into a rich, comforting bowl that feels both exotic and familiar.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced (~1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb 85/15 ground beef
• 2 carrots, diced (~1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (~¾ cup)
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced (11 ounce, ≈ 2 cups)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• ¾ cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1–1½ tbsp za’atar (start with 1 tbsp and adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (for subtle de

Instructions

1. Prep: Dice onion, carrots, celery; mince garlic.
2. Sauté: Olive oil + onion, carrots, celery—4–5 min until soft. Add garlic—30–60 seconds. Brown ground beef—5–6 minutes.
3. Bloom: Add za’atar. Cook 1 min. Stir constantly.
4. Deglaze: Add broth. Stir well, scraping bottom clean.
5. Combine: Add sweet potato, tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, celery, and smoked paprika.. Stir well. Cancel sauté.
6. Cook: Seal → High pressure 8 min → Natural release 10 min → Vent
7. Adjust: Stir. Add salt, pepper to taste. Add thickener or sauté 2-3 minutes if needed.

Macros per 1½-cup serving (approximate)

• Calories: 385 kcals
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 37g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 7g

Pair with 6 Triscuits for 25g protein, 10g fiber, and 505 kcals. [6 Triscuits = 3g protein, 3g fiber, and 120 calories]

Pro Tips

• Start with ½ tsp salt and 4 grinds of pepper.
• Add a splash of garum and/or red wine vinegar for Roman style flavor.
• If cooking for single meal, consider bumping spices 50%.
• Triscuit test: If stew runs off a cracker, it needs thickening. Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water, switch to Sauté, stir in slurry, simmer 2–3 minutes.

Storage

• Fridge → 5 days.
• Freezer → 3 months.

Reheat

90 seconds in microwave. Day-one fresh.