Simple Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Name: Simple Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 cups beef broth; 3 large carrots, sliced; 2 potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Simple Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is a comforting dish, perfect for cozy nights. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, it's sure to warm your soul.

Created by

Harper Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-29T23:34:16.182Z

This hearty beef stew recipe has been passed down through generations. It's a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth creates a meal that is both satisfying and nourishing.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, savory flavors that delight the palate
Tender beef that melts in your mouth
Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings

      

The Comfort of Home Cooking

There’s something inherently comforting about a home-cooked meal, especially on cold evenings. This Simple Hearty Beef Stew Recipe encapsulates that feeling with its warm, inviting aromas and rich flavors. As the stew simmers, your kitchen will be filled with the delightful scent of savory beef and fresh vegetables, creating an atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace. It’s a dish that invites family and friends to gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter over bowls of hearty goodness.

Cooking at home not only allows you to control the quality of the ingredients but also brings a sense of accomplishment. Each step in this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, impressing your loved ones and filling their bellies with joy.

Meal Prep Made Easy

This beef stew is a fantastic candidate for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Simply reheat and enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch every day. The flavors actually deepen and improve after sitting for a day, so you might find yourself looking forward to leftovers just as much as the initial feast.

When prepping meals, consider pairing this stew with crusty bread or a simple side salad. These accompaniments will elevate your dining experience while keeping the prep time minimal. Plus, they add nutritional variety to your meals, ensuring you and your family get a balanced diet throughout the week.

Customizing Your Stew

One of the best aspects of this Simple Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is its versatility. While the base ingredients are delicious on their own, feel free to customize the stew to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Adding mushrooms, peas, or even a splash of red wine can enhance the flavor profile and make the stew uniquely yours. Experimenting with different herbs and spices, like bay leaves or paprika, can also introduce new dimensions of flavor.

If you prefer a thicker stew, consider adding a cornstarch slurry or mashing a portion of the potatoes to create a creamier texture. For a lighter version, swap out the beef for chicken or even a plant-based protein. The possibilities are endless, making this dish a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups beef broth
3 large carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove from pot and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the carrots and potatoes, and cook for another 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the browned beef back to the pot, along with the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.

Simmer

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Nutritional Benefits of Beef Stew

Beef stew is not just a comforting dish; it also packs a nutritional punch. Rich in protein, beef provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. The addition of vegetables like carrots and potatoes contributes valuable vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A and potassium. This hearty meal can help keep you satiated and energized, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Moreover, slow-cooking the beef allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a tender texture that is easier to digest. The long cooking process also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich broth that is both satisfying and nourishing.

Perfect Pairings

The right side dishes can elevate your beef stew experience to new heights. A warm, crusty bread is an excellent choice for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth. Additionally, a simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew, balancing the meal with some crisp textures and fresh flavors.

If you’re looking for a beverage to complement this comforting dish, consider serving a robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The deep flavors of the wine will harmonize beautifully with the savory notes of the stew, creating a delightful dining experience.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store leftover beef stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to loosen the consistency. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.

Remember that the flavors of your beef stew will only get better with time, so don’t hesitate to enjoy those leftovers! Just like a fine wine, this dish benefits from a little time to develop its deep, savory flavors, making every bite a pleasure.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round, but chuck is preferred for its tenderness.

→ How can I thicken the stew?

You can add a cornstarch slurry or let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.

→ Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.