Warm up your dinner table with this hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew. This comforting dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something delicious and filling. Made with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s a meal that brings the family together.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful stew that simmers to perfection. As the beef becomes tender and the vegetables soften, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Serve it with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Trust me, this stew will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Rich Flavor: The combination of tender beef, savory broth, and fresh herbs creates a deep, satisfying taste.
- Hearty Ingredients: Packed with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery, this stew is both nutritious and filling.
- Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for cozy family dinners on cold nights.
- One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup is a bonus, as everything is cooked in one pot, allowing for more time to enjoy your meal.
- Versatile Recipe: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your family’s tastes.
- Slow-Cooked Goodness: The long simmering time allows flavors to develop fully, making each bite rich and delicious.
- Nourishing: A great source of protein and vitamins, it’s a wholesome choice for a family meal.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep, it’s an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
Key Ingredients
- Beef Chuck: The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and tenderness when cooked low and slow.
- Carrots: Add sweetness and color, enhancing the stew’s overall flavor.
- Potatoes: Offer heartiness and texture, making the stew more filling.
- Celery: Contributes a fresh, crisp flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
- Onions: Add depth and sweetness, serving as a flavor base for the stew.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic notes and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Beef Broth: The liquid base that infuses the stew with rich beef flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth and richness, enhancing the stew’s color and taste.
- Herbs: Such as thyme and bay leaves, for added aroma and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for beef chuck or brisket, as they become tender when slow-cooked and have great flavor.
- Brown the Meat First: Searing the beef before adding it to the stew enhances its flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Allow the stew to simmer slowly to let the flavors meld and the beef become tender. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, seasonal vegetables will provide better flavor and texture compared to canned or frozen options.
- Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Start with less salt and pepper, and adjust to taste towards the end of cooking. This prevents over-seasoning.
- Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Make It Ahead of Time: Stew often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. Consider making it a day in advance.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese before serving for added freshness.
- Pair with Sides: Serve the stew with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious broth.
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Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew for Comforting Family Dinners
Description
Warm up your dinner table with this hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew. This comforting dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something delicious and filling. Made with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s a meal that brings the family together.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear on all sides until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the beef and set it aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the Beef Back
Return the browned beef to the pot with the vegetables.
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Stir in Tomato Paste and Spices
Add the tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Pour in the Broth
Add the beef broth to the pot, ensuring that the ingredients are covered. If necessary, add more broth or water.
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Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat and bring the stew to a boil.
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Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.
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Adjust Seasoning
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
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Rest (Optional)
Let the stew rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- Calories from Fat 108kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 700mg30%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
