When you envision comfort food at its finest, a rich and hearty beef stew surely comes to mind. Our Classic Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew features succulent chunks of beef chuck, simmered gently alongside wholesome potatoes, carrots, celery, aromatic herbs, and savory spices. Slow-cooked to ensure maximum tenderness, each spoonful offers a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. The savory depth is further enriched by a touch of red wine and beef broth, creating a robust stew perfect for cold evenings or cozy weekend meals. This stew isn’t just a dish; it’s an edible embrace, filling your home with inviting aromas and comforting warmth.
Whether enjoyed on a leisurely weekend or prepared ahead for busy weekdays, this stew ensures satisfaction with minimal fuss. Each ingredient, from the humble potato to the succulent beef chuck, contributes its unique characteristics, creating a dish that is both deliciously nostalgic and elegantly nourishing. Ideal for families, gatherings, or intimate dinners, this stew delivers traditional comfort with gourmet-quality taste.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
This includes washing, peeling, chopping vegetables, and preparing the meat.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Slow-simmered to achieve exceptional tenderness and flavor depth.
Total Time: 3 hours
Including preparation and cooking, ensuring each ingredient is perfectly cooked and harmonized.
YIELD
This recipe comfortably yields 6 generous servings, perfect for a family meal with potential leftovers for the following day.
Cuisine
This Beef and Vegetable Stew draws inspiration from traditional American and European cuisines, particularly reminiscent of classic French stews and American comfort food staples.
Ingredients for Classic Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew
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2 pounds (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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3 carrots, sliced
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3 celery stalks, chopped
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3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1 bay leaf
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¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
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4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
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1 cup (240ml) red wine (optional but recommended)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Stew
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Start by seasoning your beef cubes liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning enhances flavor penetration during cooking.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add beef cubes in small batches, ensuring they are spaced out to properly brown without overcrowding. Brown each batch thoroughly on all sides (approximately 5–7 minutes per batch), then set aside in a separate bowl.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté gently for approximately 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables become tender and translucent. Next, incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, just until aromatic. Stir frequently to prevent any ingredients from burning.
Step 3: Adding Tomato Paste and Herbs
Now stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a bay leaf. Cook this aromatic mixture for approximately 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen flavors. This step is critical for developing the rich, savory base of your stew.
Step 4: Deglazing the Pot
Sprinkle flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and herbs, mixing thoroughly to coat each vegetable piece. This step helps thicken the stew beautifully.
Carefully pour the red wine into the pot, stirring continuously and scraping the bottom to release any flavorful browned bits—these add significant depth to your stew’s taste. Allow the wine mixture to simmer for approximately 3–4 minutes, reducing slightly and cooking off any strong alcohol flavor.
Step 5: Incorporating Broth and Beef
Slowly add the beef broth into the pot, stirring gently to combine with the wine and vegetable mixture. Once combined, return the browned beef cubes and any accumulated juices back into the pot. The beef should be just submerged beneath the broth mixture.
Step 6: Simmering the Stew
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, allowing the stew to simmer softly. This slow cooking process tenderizes the beef beautifully, extracting full flavors from the herbs and vegetables. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for 1½ to 2 hours, or until beef cubes become exceptionally tender.
Step 7: Adding Potatoes
After the beef has simmered for about two hours, add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the potatoes are well incorporated into the stew.
Continue cooking on low heat for approximately 30 additional minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender but still holding their shape.
Step 8: Finishing and Serving
Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf from your stew. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh, chopped parsley for brightness and color.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: ~480 kcal
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Protein: 40 g
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Carbohydrates: 32 g
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Dietary Fiber: 5 g
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Fat: 21 g
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Saturated Fat: 7 g
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Cholesterol: 120 mg
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Sodium: 520 mg
Origins and Popularity of Beef Stew
Beef stew has roots tracing back hundreds of years across various culinary traditions worldwide. It’s considered a staple dish in numerous cultures due to its simplicity, affordability, and deeply satisfying taste. European cuisines, especially French and British, perfected slow-cooking techniques that have influenced today’s traditional stew recipes, making it a universal symbol of home-cooked comfort.
Reasons to Love This Beef Stew Recipe
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Nutritionally Complete: Offers balanced nutrition with protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
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Family-Friendly: A dish that pleases both children and adults alike.
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Comfort Food Classic: Timeless flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia.
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Easy Make-Ahead Meal: Flavors deepen wonderfully when reheated, ideal for meal planning.
Health Benefits
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Protein-Rich Beef: Excellent source of muscle-building protein and iron, essential for energy and immunity.
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Potatoes and Vegetables: High in dietary fiber and vitamins, aiding digestion and overall health.
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Herbs and Spices: Thyme, rosemary, garlic, and parsley offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your stew piping hot with fresh crusty bread, fluffy dinner rolls, or over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. A simple green salad on the side or steamed green beans complements this hearty stew perfectly.
Cooking Tips
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Pat beef cubes dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning.
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Brown beef in small batches for optimal texture.
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Let stew rest briefly before serving; this helps flavors fully develop.
Variations
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Add mushrooms for earthy depth.
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Substitute red wine with additional beef broth if desired.
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Experiment with seasonal root vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, for a delightful twist.
Conclusion
This Classic Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. With tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and richly developed flavors, it’s a nourishing dish you’ll return to again and again, warming both body and soul.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. Can leftovers be frozen?
Absolutely! Freeze cooled stew for up to 3 months.
3. Which potatoes work best?
Use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for best results.
4. Can I omit the wine?
Yes, substitute with additional beef broth if preferred.
5. How can I thicken my stew more?
Mix flour or cornstarch with water and simmer briefly.