Description

This Easy Beef and Vegetable Stew offers a hearty and warming meal featuring tender beef chuck simmered with fresh vegetables and rich, savory seasonings. Perfect for cozy nights, the stew combines protein, fiber, and nutrients in a comforting bowl that is versatile and customizable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into evenly sized cubes

Vegetables

3 large carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces
3 medium potatoes, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Cut beef chuck into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking and an appealing presentation.
Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning each batch without crowding to seal in the juices and develop rich flavor.
Sauté vegetables: Remove the browned beef and add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, forming a robust aromatic base.
Add liquids and seasonings: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth to cover all ingredients, creating a rich cooking liquid.
Simmer gently: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
Add potatoes and finish cooking: Add the diced potatoes about 30 minutes before the end of cooking. Continue simmering until potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. Adjust seasoning as needed for a perfectly balanced stew.

Notes

Pat the beef dry before browning to achieve a nice crust and avoid steaming.
Season at multiple stages for deeper, well-rounded flavors.
Simmer slowly and gently for melt-in-your-mouth beef texture.
Add potatoes later in cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft or breaking down.
Stir occasionally but avoid constant stirring to maintain a clear and hearty stew.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: beef stew, vegetable stew, slow cooked beef, hearty stew, gluten free stew, comforting meal