Amazing Beef Stew
Amazing Beef Stew is a warm, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender slow-cooked beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth infused with aromatic herbs. Perfect for cozy nights and family dinners, this hearty stew combines simple pantry staples into a fulfilling, flavorful dish that tastes even better as leftovers.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Slow Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized chunks
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef chuck into even, bite-sized chunks, then generously season each piece with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors before searing.
- Brown the Meat: Heat a heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef chunks in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until they develop a rich brown crust. This locks in juices and builds deep flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the browned beef and cook the chopped onions and minced garlic in the same pot until fragrant and translucent, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Return the browned beef to the pot, stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the beef broth along with thyme and bay leaves, creating a savory base for simmering.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently over low heat for about 2 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the carrots and potatoes, continuing to cook until the vegetables are tender but not mushy, completing the stew’s hearty texture.
- Final Seasoning: Adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to taste before serving the stew piping hot for the ultimate comfort meal.
Notes
- Brown the beef in batches to avoid steaming and ensure flavorful crust.
- Use a high-quality beef broth or homemade stock for richer taste.
- Simmer the stew slowly to break down tough fibers and tenderize the beef.
- Add vegetables halfway through cooking to preserve their texture.
- Skim excess fat during simmering for a cleaner broth.
- Leftover stew stores well in the fridge for up to four days and freezes for up to three months.
- Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef stew, comfort food, slow cooked beef, hearty stew, one-pot meal, winter recipe, beef chuck, easy stew, gluten free stew