This comforting minced beef stew is gentle, nourishing, and perfect for the whole family — including toddlers. It’s packed with finely chopped vegetables, slow-simmered until soft, and naturally thickened without any flour. The mild spices add warmth without overpowering little taste buds.
This minced beef stew provides high-quality protein and heme iron, both of which are well supported by research for their role in growth, cognitive development, and preventing iron deficiency in young children. The inclusion of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion contributes fibre, antioxidants, and key micronutrients that support gut health and immune function. Gentle spices like turmeric, ginger, and thyme contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, shown in studies to support digestion and overall health when used in small amounts. Serving the stew with lemon juice adds vitamin C, which has been shown to enhance iron absorption from meat-based meals.
Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Cook time: 90–120 minutes
Servings: 5-6 servings ***
Total Calories (Whole Recipe): Approximately 1,220 kcal
Ingredients
- 500 g minced beef
- 4 medium carrots (2 diced into small cubes, 2 grated)
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium potato, grated
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 2 litres water or homemade broth
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric or ½ tsp freshly grated turmeric
- ½ tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon juice, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for a few minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced beef and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until lightly browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavour.
- Add the carrots, celery, grated potato, cinnamon stick, thyme, turmeric, ginger, and pepper (if using).
- Pour in the water or broth and stir well to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90–120 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft and the stew thickens naturally.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Use a stick blender to blend the stew a few times. If further puréeing is required for your toddler, first separate your toddler’s portion and blend it to the appropriate consistency. Leave the remaining stew lightly textured for older children or adults.
- Allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- Add salt to the adult portion if desired.
Toddler-Friendly Tips
- Finely chop or grate vegetables so they soften well during cooking.
- Skip black pepper or reduce spices for younger toddlers.
- Lightly mash or partially blend to suit your child’s chewing ability.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, or a brown rice & quinoa mix.
*** Serving sizes are indicative only. Toddler portions may vary and should be based on your child’s age, appetite, and developmental stage.
