There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of coziness, warmth, and family. Hearty Beef Stew, with its rich flavors and tender chunks of beef, is the epitome of comfort food that never goes out of style. This classic stew recipe is packed with a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas, creating a satisfying, one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s made with affordable, wholesome ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. By simmering the stew for a couple of hours, the flavors meld together, creating a rich, savory broth that’s both nourishing and delicious. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or a side salad, this beef stew recipe will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.

What makes this recipe timeless is how it’s been passed down through generations. Just like other family-friendly comfort food recipes, beef stew holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion: a busy weekday dinner, a special Sunday meal, or a comforting dish to share with friends and loved ones.

If you’ve been searching for a reliable beef stew recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make, this one is a winner. Not only does it require just a few ingredients, but the slow-cooked process results in the tenderest beef and a deeply flavorful broth that will make you think twice about ever buying pre-made stew again.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Beef stew is one of those dishes that never seems to go out of style. Whether it’s a cold winter’s night or a rainy afternoon, a hot bowl of stew brings a sense of satisfaction that other meals can’t quite replicate. There’s something so special about the tender beef, the hearty vegetables, and the savory broth that makes this meal a go-to for so many people.

The use of simple ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions makes beef stew an affordable dish that can feed a crowd. It’s also incredibly versatile, with room for customization depending on what you have in your pantry. You can add different vegetables, vary the herbs and spices, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. No matter how you make it, beef stew is a reliable dish that will satisfy your hunger and warm your soul.

Moreover, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors. The earthy vegetables, savory broth, and tender beef all come together in harmony, making each bite an enjoyable experience. The richness of the beef combined with the depth of flavor from the herbs and spices is what truly elevates this dish.

Beef stew has stood the test of time, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. This recipe is a fantastic example of how a few humble ingredients can turn into a meal that feels like home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• • 1 pound cubed beef stew meat, trimmed
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

• • 1 (14.5 ounce) can low-fat, low-sodium beef broth
  • 3 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 cup chopped carrots

• • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary

• • 1 bay leaf
  • 10 ounces button mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed

Prep Time

• • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Cooking: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 28g

• • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 600mg

Note: The exact nutrition content may vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Beef

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed beef stew meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef on all sides until it’s browned. This step is crucial as it helps to lock in the juices and flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Onion

In the same pot, add the thinly sliced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. This will help to build a rich base for the stew. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these contain lots of flavor.

3. Add Tomato Paste and Beef Broth

Once the onions are softened, stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for a minute or two. Then, pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Scrape the bottom of the pot again to ensure no flavorful bits are left behind.

4. Add Vegetables and Herbs

Return the browned beef to the pot and add the cubed potatoes, chopped carrots, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary sprig, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

5. Simmer the Stew

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally, and check the stew to ensure the beef becomes tender and the vegetables are cooked through. If necessary, add more broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.

6. Add Mushrooms and Green Peas

Once the beef and vegetables are tender, stir in the quartered mushrooms and thawed green peas. Continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes until the mushrooms are cooked and the peas are heated through.

7. Season and Serve

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Remove the rosemary sprig and bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Perfect Beef Stew

1. 1. Brown the Beef Properly: Searing the beef is crucial for developing flavor. Don’t rush this step; make sure the beef is browned on all sides before adding it back to the pot.
   2. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme enhance the flavor of the stew, but if you only have dried herbs, that will work too. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less.

1. 1. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the carrots, potatoes, and peas for other vegetables. Parsnips, turnips, or parsnip can all add a unique twist to the stew.
   2. Let It Simmer: Don’t rush the cooking time. Simmering the stew for at least 1.5 hours allows the flavors to deepen and the meat to become tender.
   3. Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you like a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and adding it to the stew during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

FAQS

1. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! This stew can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and sauté the onion as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, beef stew freezes well. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

3. Can I make this stew spicy?
If you like spice, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew. Just be cautious, as the flavor will intensify as the stew simmers.

4. Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
While stew meat is ideal for this dish, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast. Just make sure to cut the meat into cubes and sear it properly before simmering it in the broth.

Storage Tips

• • Refrigeration: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Beef stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

• Reheating: To reheat, thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion

This Hearty Beef Stew recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Its combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having guests over, this stew is sure to impress and keep everyone coming back for more.

What makes this recipe timeless is its adaptability. It’s easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand, yet the core flavors remain as satisfying as ever. From the rich broth to the tender beef, every bite offers something special.

Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite in your kitchen. So the next time you’re craving something warm and filling, reach for this hearty, flavorful stew—it’s a dish that will never go out of style.