Delicious Beef Stew
A warm, comforting, and rich-flavored Delicious Beef Stew made with tender beef chuck, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious broth. This one-pot classic is easy to prepare using everyday ingredients, perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings. Customizable and hearty, it delivers savory depth and satisfying textures in every bite.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using cornstarch instead of flour)
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Variations
- Substitute beef chuck with stew meat or lamb
- Add parsnips, mushrooms, or peas for extra vegetables
- Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour for gluten-free thickening
- Add smoked paprika or cayenne for spice
- Preparing the Ingredients: Cut the beef into evenly sized cubes about 1 to 1.5 inches to ensure even cooking and tenderness. Peel and chop the carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery into bite-sized pieces for a harmonious texture in every spoonful.
- Browning the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring a flavorful crust forms on each piece. This step builds the stew’s deep, rich flavor.
- Sautéing the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the beef to infuse aromatic depth.
- Adding Flour and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Stir in the tomato paste, which enriches the stew’s texture and color.
- Combining Broth and Herbs: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add rosemary and thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer to allow the flavors to meld slowly while the beef tenderizes.
- Simmering and Adding Vegetables: After approximately one hour of simmering, add the chopped carrots and potatoes. Continue cooking for another 30 to 40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the stew achieves a perfect thick consistency.
- Final Seasoning: Season the stew with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly before serving to ensure an even flavor distribution.
Notes
- Be patient with browning the beef to develop rich flavor.
- Use fresh rosemary and thyme for optimal aroma and taste.
- Allow slow simmering to break down tough fibers and enhance broth richness.
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and best texture.
- If stew is too thin, create a slurry with flour or cornstarch and stir in gently to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: beef stew, comfort food, one pot meal, slow cooked beef, easy beef stew, hearty stew, winter recipe