Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

PIn it

Craving a comforting and satisfying meal? This hearty beef and vegetable stew is a perfect homemade dinner recipe to warm you from the inside out. You’ll love how simple it is to create this flavorful dish, packed with tender beef and wholesome vegetables.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

• Beef Stew Meat: You can use chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Beef Broth: Vegetable broth works as a substitute.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal; sweet potatoes also make a great addition.
• Carrots & Celery: Essential for flavor and texture.
• Onion & Garlic: Foundation of flavor; use onion powder and garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth; a small amount of crushed tomatoes can substitute.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

How Much Time Will You Need?

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350
• Tools Needed: Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, sharp knife, cutting board.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches until a nice crust forms. Remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Base

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Add the tomato paste and stir it into the mixture. This will create a rich base for your homemade dinner recipe.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the seared beef to the pot, then add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.

5. Add Potatoes and Finish Cooking

Stir in the cubed potatoes. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve your hearty beef and vegetable stew hot, perhaps with some crusty bread. This homemade dinner recipe is perfect for a chilly evening.

Variation Ideas

• Add frozen peas or green beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
• Stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for a brighter flavor.
• For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering stew during the last 10 minutes.
• Try adding sliced mushrooms with the other vegetables for an earthy note.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover beef and vegetable stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, after searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

• What kind of beef is best for stew?

Chuck roast or beef stew meat (which is usually pre-cut chuck roast) is ideal because it becomes very tender during long, slow cooking.

• Can I omit the flour?

You can, but the stew will be thinner. For a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken it at the end.

• Why is my beef not tender?

Beef stew meat needs sufficient cooking time to break down its fibers. If your beef isn’t tender, it likely needs to cook longer.

• Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips, or even cabbage, would be delicious additions. Add them when you add the potatoes.

• Is this a good meal prep recipe?

Yes, this hearty beef and vegetable stew is excellent for meal prep as it reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day. It’s a fantastic homemade dinner recipe for busy weeks.