Beef Stew
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This hearty Beef Stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chunks of beef simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish is packed with flavor and warmth, making it a family favorite. Serve it alongside fresh bread or over fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
This Beef Stew has been passed down through generations and remains a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings.
Why Beef Stew is Perfect for Any Occasion
Beef stew is a versatile dish that shines through in any season. Whether it's a cozy winter evening or a rainy summer day, this stew brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. It's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a meal prep option for the week ahead. The ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty meal that leaves everyone feeling satisfied.
This dish also allows for creativity in the kitchen. You can customize the vegetables to suit your taste or use leftovers to make it even more efficient. Try adding peas, parsnips, or even mushrooms to give your stew a personal twist. With such flexibility, beef stew can become a regular on your dinner rotation, appealing to everyone’s palate.
Nutritional Benefits of Beef Stew
Not only is beef stew delicious, but it also packs a nutritional punch. The beef provides a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. Coupled with the vegetables like carrots and potatoes, you get a hearty dose of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, and fiber that contribute to a balanced diet.
Making beef stew at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you avoid preservatives and artificial flavors often found in store-bought options. Using fresh, organic vegetables can further enhance the nutritional value and flavor. This means you’re not only serving a comforting dish but one that also supports a healthy lifestyle.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best things about beef stew is how well it stores. After a hearty meal, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop as the stew sits, often tasting even better the next day. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prep or to serve guests in advance.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the integrity of the meat and vegetables. If the stew appears too thick, simply add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. This means you can enjoy the comforting taste of homemade beef stew with little effort on busy days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Steps
Sear the Beef
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until softened.
Combine Ingredients
Add the beef back to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Serve
Remove the bay leaf and serve hot, ideally with bread or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy your delicious Beef Stew!
Serving Suggestions
Beef stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. The classic option is crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the rich broth. A simple green salad can also complement the meal, balancing the hearty flavors with freshness. Additionally, serving the stew over creamy mashed potatoes creates a delightful option that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
If you’re looking for something a little different, consider serving beef stew over rice or with buttery biscuits. Both options provide a delicious base for the stew and add an extra layer of comfort to your meal. Try experimenting with different sides to see what your family loves best!
Customization Tips
Feel free to customize your beef stew to fit your family’s preferences! If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Want to make it that much more aromatic? Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can elevate the dish considerably. Not a fan of potatoes? Substitute them with your favorite vegetable for a lighter version.
If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, there are ways to adapt the recipe. For instance, you can replace beef with chicken or opt for plant-based protein for a vegetarian version, using hearty choices like mushrooms or lentils. The beauty of beef stew lies in its adaptability and the joy it brings around the dinner table.
Making it a One-Pot Wonder
For those who value convenience, beef stew can easily become a one-pot meal. Utilizing a slow cooker or Instant Pot not only saves on cleanup but also enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld together over time. Simply sear the beef in your pot, then transfer everything else for a long cook or quick pressure cooking, depending on your time constraints.
This method allows for hands-off cooking—perfect for busy families or anyone who wants to enjoy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With the right equipment, dinner will be waiting for you, full of flavor and ready to serve when you are, making family meals even more enjoyable.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
→ What can I substitute for beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute.
Beef Stew
This hearty Beef Stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chunks of beef simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish is packed with flavor and warmth, making it a family favorite. Serve it alongside fresh bread or over fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Created by: Ariana Brooks
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until softened.
Add the beef back to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Remove the bay leaf and serve hot, ideally with bread or mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Total Fat: 20g
- Protein: 35g