Beef Stew Recipe with Hearty Vegetables and Rich Savory Broth

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew

This beef stew recipe is simple and stands out as a go-to choice for any home cook looking for a comforting meal. It comes together easily with ingredients you likely have on hand, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without much fuss. Plus, the combination of tender beef and fresh vegetables creates a dish that’s both nutritious and full of flavor, appealing to everyone from families to food enthusiasts.

One of the best parts is how straightforward it is to prepare. You only need one pot, which means less cleanup after dinner. This recipe serves 8 people and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, fitting seamlessly into a hectic schedule.

Health benefits make this stew a smart pick for balanced eating. It uses 2 pounds of stewing beef, which provides lean protein, along with nutrient-packed vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery. For a link to more veggie-focused recipes, check out our black bean egg bake for additional meal ideas.

The stew’s versatility is another highlight. You can tweak it for different diets, such as using plant-based proteins or gluten-free options. This adaptability ensures it works for busy parents, students, or anyone watching their diet, while still delivering that rich, savory taste.

Key Features of This Recipe

Let’s break down why this beef stew hits the spot. Ease of preparation means minimal chopping and one-pot cooking, ideal for weeknights. Health benefits include a mix of protein from the beef and vitamins from the veggies, supporting overall wellness.

Versatility allows for swaps like red wine for extra depth, though it’s optional. The distinctive flavor comes from slow-simmering the ingredients, including herbs like rosemary, which makes every bite satisfying and memorable.

Essential Ingredients for Beef Stew

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious beef stew. This section lists everything you need based on the recipe details, ensuring you have precise measurements for the best results. Start with the beef and build from there for a flavorful outcome.

• 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
• 1 chopped onion
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 pound peeled and cubed potatoes
• 4 carrots cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 ribs of celery cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening slurry)
• 2 tablespoons water (for thickening slurry)
• 3/4 cup peas

These ingredients create a hearty base that serves 8 and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare. For special options, consider vegan swaps or gluten-free adjustments to fit your needs.

How to Prepare the Perfect Beef Stew: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect beef stew starts with simple steps that lead to amazing results. Begin by preparing your ingredients to ensure even cooking and great flavor. This guide walks you through the process, using 2 pounds of stewing beef coated in a mix of flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for that tender bite.

First, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot and brown the beef cubes until they’re golden. This step locks in the flavors and sets the foundation for the stew. Once browned, set the beef aside and cook 1 chopped onion until it’s soft, adding depth to the dish.

Next, build the stew by adding 6 cups of beef broth and 1/2 cup of red wine if you like. Scrape up those tasty browned bits from the pot for extra richness. For a complementary side, try our fluffy cheese chive biscuits recipe to serve alongside.

Then, return the beef to the pot along with 1 pound of peeled and cubed potatoes, 4 carrots cut into 1-inch pieces, 4 ribs of celery cut into 1-inch pieces, 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or a fresh sprig. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour until the beef is tender. To thicken, stir in a slurry made from 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, then add 3/4 cup of peas and cook for 5 to 10 more minutes.

Finally, season with additional salt and pepper to taste. This recipe serves 8 and totals around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for home cooks.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Beef Stew

Making beef stew work for your diet is easy with a few smart swaps. Start by considering protein options to fit different preferences. For instance, replace the 2 pounds of stewing beef with lentils or chickpeas for a plant-based version.

If you want a lighter meal, use chicken or turkey instead of beef. Vegetable and sauce changes can also enhance the stew, like swapping potatoes with sweet potatoes or using coconut aminos in place of Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free diets.

Adjust seasonings to create unique flavors, such as adding smoked paprika. These modifications keep the stew versatile for everyone from busy parents to health-conscious eaters, while maintaining the core recipe’s 1 hour and 30 minutes prep time.

Mastering Beef Stew: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your beef stew to the next level involves some pro techniques and creative twists. Brown the beef well in 3 tablespoons of olive oil to build deep flavor, and don’t forget to deglaze with broth or wine for added richness.

Experiment with flavors by including red wine or fresh rosemary alongside the other ingredients. For serving, present in simple bowls with fresh herbs, and consider making ahead to let tastes meld overnight.

Here’s a quick table of variations to try:

These tips help you master the stew using the base recipe’s ingredients like potatoes and carrots.

How to Store Beef Stew: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your beef stew fresh and safe to eat. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days. Freezing is great for longer-term options, so cool the stew first and label it with the date.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Portioning into servings makes meal prep simple and reduces waste, especially with a recipe that serves 8.

this …

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stew

Beef Stew

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

🍲 Enjoy a comforting and hearty beef stew packed with tender meat and vibrant vegetables.
🥕 This rich savory broth provides warmth and nourishment, perfect for family meals or chilly days.

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

– 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed

– 3 tablespoons flour

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 3 tablespoons olive oil for browning

– 1 chopped onion

– 6 cups beef broth

– 1/2 cup red wine optional

– 1 pound peeled and cubed potatoes

– 4 carrots cut into 1-inch pieces

– 4 ribs of celery cut into 1-inch pieces

– 3 tablespoons tomato paste

– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

– 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening slurry

– 2 tablespoons water for thickening slurry

– 3/4 cup peas

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-First, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot and brown the beef cubes until they’re golden. This step locks in the flavors and sets the foundation for the stew. Once browned, set the beef aside and cook 1 chopped onion until it’s soft, adding depth to the dish.

2-Next, build the stew by adding 6 cups of beef broth and 1/2 cup of red wine if you like. Scrape up those tasty browned bits from the pot for extra richness. For a complementary side, try our fluffy cheese chive biscuits recipe to serve alongside.

3-Then, return the beef to the pot along with 1 pound of peeled and cubed potatoes, 4 carrots cut into 1-inch pieces, 4 ribs of celery cut into 1-inch pieces, 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or a fresh sprig. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour until the beef is tender. To thicken, stir in a slurry made from 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, then add 3/4 cup of peas and cook for 5 to 10 more minutes.

4-Finally, season with additional salt and pepper to taste. This recipe serves 8 and totals around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for home cooks.

Notes

🍖 Brown the beef in batches for even cooking and better flavor.
🥔 Use fresh vegetables and cut them uniformly for even cooking.
🌿 Fresh rosemary imparts a more vibrant aroma, but dried works well too.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Simmering, Browning
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg