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Hearty Stove Top Beef Stew

Hearty Stove Top Beef Stew
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Hearty Stove Top Beef Stew is a comforting and rich one-pot meal featuring tender slow-simmered beef chuck, vibrant vegetables, and fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy evenings or chilly days, this stew combines simple pantry ingredients with deep, savory flavors and a thickened sauce for a nourishing and satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Coating

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Cut the beef chuck into bite-sized cubes and pat dry for better browning. Chop the onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes evenly. Mince the garlic finely to fully release its flavor.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Toss the beef cubes in flour (or gluten-free alternative) and shake off excess. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, developing a deep savory flavor foundation.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and lightly caramelized. Add minced garlic near the end, stirring until fragrant but not burned.
  4. Deglaze and Build the Broth: Return the beef to the pot and stir in tomato paste. Pour in the beef broth while scraping up browned bits from the bottom for added flavor. Add bay leaves and thyme, then season with salt and pepper.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Add potatoes halfway through cooking. The low and slow simmer tenderizes the beef and melds the flavors beautifully.
  6. Final Touches: Once tender and sauce is thickened, remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving your comforting Hearty Stove Top Beef Stew.

Notes

  • Take your time searing the beef well for richer flavor development.
  • Don’t skip deglazing to scrape the browned bits off the pan — it adds incredible depth to the broth.
  • Use a heavy pot like a Dutch oven for even heat distribution and perfect slow cooking.
  • Simmer on low heat to tenderize beef without drying it out.
  • Add delicate vegetables like potatoes in the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
  • To make gluten-free, replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder and verify gluten-free broth.
  • Feel free to customize with other root vegetables or spices (paprika, cayenne) to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, hearty stew, stove top beef stew, comfort food, one pot meal, slow simmer beef stew

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/hearty-stove-top-beef-stew/