If you’ve ever wanted to dive deep into the heart of Lebanese comfort food, the Braised Beef and Green Bean Stew (Lebanese Lubee) Recipe is your perfect gateway. This dish brings together tender chunks of beef simmered lovingly with fragrant spices and fresh green beans in a rich, luscious tomato sauce. It’s a warm, hearty stew that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas, offering a perfect balance between savory meatiness and vibrant vegetable freshness. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner that feels special or craving a new stew that will wow your taste buds, this recipe promises to deliver unforgettable flavors with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Braised Beef and Green Bean Stew (Lebanese Lubee) Recipe, the ingredient list is delightfully straightforward, yet every component plays a vital role in building the dish’s signature flavors and comforting textures. Each ingredient adds a unique layer, from the warm spices to the bright herbs, making this stew both simple and spectacular.
- Clarified butter (ghee), 2 tablespoons: Adds richness and depth, perfect for browning the beef and sautéing the onions without burning.
- Chuck roast, 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces: This cut is ideal for slow-braising, becoming wonderfully tender while soaking up flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef to enhance its natural taste.
- Large onion, 1, chopped: Provides sweetness and a savory base that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Cinnamon, 1 tablespoon: Brings a subtle warmth and aromatic hint that’s signature to many Lebanese dishes.
- Cumin, 1 teaspoon: Adds earthy, slightly nutty notes that complement the beef and spices.
- Minced garlic, 1½ teaspoons: Delivers a punch of pungent flavor that amplifies the overall aromatic profile.
- Tomato sauce, 32 ounces: Creates the rich, tangy backbone of the stew’s sauce.
- Green beans, 1 pound, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: These add freshness, a pleasant snap, and vibrant color.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh garnish that brightens the finished dish with herby notes.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creamy coolness as a garnish to balance the stew’s richness.
- Hot rice: The classic accompaniment that soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly.
How to Make Braised Beef and Green Bean Stew (Lebanese Lubee) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef to Lock in Juices
Start by heating your clarified butter (ghee) in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chuck roast pieces that have been generously seasoned with salt and pepper. Sear them on all sides until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step is crucial, as properly browning the beef creates those deep, complex flavor foundations that make the stew truly irresistible. Once browned, set the meat aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté them gently until soft and translucent, coaxing out their natural sweetness. Sprinkle in the cinnamon, cumin, and minced garlic. Stirring constantly, let the spices bloom in the butter and infuse the onions with their intoxicating aroma for a couple of minutes. This fragrant spice blend is what gives the Braised Beef and Green Bean Stew (Lebanese Lubee) Recipe its memorable Middle Eastern character.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the tomato sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and lower the heat so the beef can cook low and slow for about 3 hours. During this time, the beef will become melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up all those gorgeous spices and tomato richness.
Step 4: Add Fresh Green Beans
Once the beef is nearly tender, stir in the trimmed, 2-inch green beans. Cover and continue cooking for another 20–30 minutes or until the green beans are perfectly tender but still retain a slight crispness to add texture and freshness. This balance is what makes the stew truly shine—hearty yet bright, meaty yet vegetable-forward.
How to Serve Braised Beef and Green Bean Stew (Lebanese Lubee) Recipe
Garnishes
To finish, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top, adding pops of color and a lovely fresh bite. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt on the side adds a creamy tang that cuts through the rich stew and makes every spoonful smoother and more luxurious. These simple garnishes elevate the dish from humble stew to memorable meal.
Side Dishes
The traditional way to enjoy this stew is with hot, fluffy rice. The rice acts as a perfect canvas for the stew’s thick, flavorful sauce, helping to soak it up with every bite. You might also consider serving it alongside warm pita bread or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad for added freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Braised Beef and Green Bean Stew (Lebanese Lubee) Recipe in individual rustic bowls topped with a swirl of yogurt and parsley, garnished with toasted pine nuts for extra texture. You can also transform it into a hearty stew plate by layering it over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting fusion meal that still honors its Lebanese roots.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. Just make sure the stew has cooled before sealing it up.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, you can freeze portions of this stew for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the beef tender and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of chuck roast?
Absolutely! Chuck roast is preferred for its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, but you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just be sure they are suitable for long, slow braising to avoid toughness.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add green beans in the last hour to keep their texture intact.
Can I substitute fresh green beans with frozen ones?
You can, but fresh green beans offer a crisper texture and brighter flavor. If using frozen, add them closer to the end of the cooking time so they don’t become mushy.
What if I want a spicier version?
Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili along with the garlic and spices in Step 2. It’s a great way to customize heat without overwhelming the dish.
Can I prepare Braised Beef and Green Bean Stew (Lebanese Lubee) Recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe highlights beef, you could experiment by replacing the meat with hearty mushrooms or eggplant, adjusting cooking times accordingly. The spices and tomato sauce still create a rich, satisfying base for vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Braised Beef and Green Bean Stew (Lebanese Lubee) Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your heart feel full. It’s hearty yet fresh, straightforward yet deeply flavorful — a true taste of Lebanese home cooking. I encourage you to give it a try, savor each spoonful, and maybe share it with someone you love. Once you do, I bet it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods.
Print
Braised Beef and Green Bean Stew (Lebanese Lubee) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Description
This traditional Lebanese Lubee recipe is a hearty braised beef and green bean stew featuring tender chunks of chuck roast slow-cooked in a fragrant tomato sauce with warming spices like cinnamon and cumin. Finished with a touch of clarified butter and garnished with fresh parsley and creamy Greek yogurt, this dish is served best alongside hot rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Butter
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter (ghee)
- 1 pound chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
Spices and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 32 ounces tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes and Serving
- Chopped parsley (to garnish)
- Plain Greek yogurt (to garnish)
- Hot rice (to serve with)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Season the bite-sized chuck roast pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat the clarified butter (ghee) in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the beef in batches if necessary and brown on all sides to develop rich flavor, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cinnamon, and cumin, cooking for an additional minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Braise: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it braise gently over low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Cook the Green Beans: About 30 minutes before the end of the braising time, stir in the trimmed and cut green beans. Continue cooking covered until the beans are tender but still retain some bite, and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. Accompany the stew with hot rice for an authentic Lebanese comfort meal.
Notes
- Clarified butter (ghee) adds a nutty richness to the stew and helps in browning the beef nicely.
- Cutting beef into uniform bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking during braising.
- Braising low and slow is key to tenderizing the chuck roast while developing deep flavors.
- Greek yogurt adds a creamy, tangy contrast which brightens the rich stew.
- This dish pairs excellently with plain steamed rice or bulgur wheat.
