Easy Beef and Vegetable Stew for Cozy Nights

Warm up your evenings with a hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew packed with fresh veggies and tender beef for a cozy, comforting meal. This classic dish brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures that soothe the soul, making it perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave a wholesome, filling dinner. With its blend of savory meat, garden-fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this stew promises a delightful experience in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: This beef and vegetable stew offers warmth and satisfaction that feels like a big, cozy hug after a long day.
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with colorful vegetables, it delivers vitamins, minerals, and fiber alongside hearty protein.
• Easy One-Pot Meal: Simplify dinner prep by cooking everything together, reducing cleanup and time spent in the kitchen.
• Flexible and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what’s fresh or what you have on hand without losing flavor.
• Perfect for Any Season: While comforting in cool weather, it’s wonderful any time you want a nourishing, flavorful hearty meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredient list simple but powerful is key for this stew. Each component plays an important role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this Beef and Vegetable Stew so memorable. You don’t need anything fancy to create an irresistible dish.

• Beef chuck: Choose well-marbled beef chunks for tenderness and rich taste after slow cooking.
• Carrots: Add sweet earthiness and vibrant orange color that contrasts beautifully with the beef.
• Celery stalks: Provide a subtle aromatic crunch that rounds out the stew’s flavor profile.
• Onions: Bring natural sweetness and depth when sautéed until golden.
• Garlic cloves (natural): Infuse a savory punch that elevates the whole dish.
• Potatoes: Offer hearty bulk and creamy texture as they soften in the stew.
• Tomato paste (natural): Delivers rich umami and bright body to the broth.
• Beef broth: Forms the savory liquid base that ties everything together.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Adds complex, tangy layers with a touch of sweetness.
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances richness with mild acidity to brighten flavors.
• Fresh thyme: Offers a fragrant herbal note that pairs perfectly with beef.
• Bay leaves: Infuse subtle earthiness during slow simmering.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
• Olive oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables for maximum flavor.

Variations for Beef and Vegetable Stew

This recipe invites creativity. Feel free to twirl it your way to suit your pantry, nutritional goals, and favorite tastes. The versatility of this stew is one of its best features, allowing you to add personal twists easily.

• Root vegetable swap: Try parsnips or sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a unique sweet and earthy flavor.
• Mushroom addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms to add a meaty texture and deepen the stew’s umami profile.
• Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of ground cumin for a subtle smoky warmth.
• Greens boost: Stir in chopped kale or spinach near the end to add extra nutrition and color.
• Tomato alternative: Use crushed tomatoes (natural) for a chunkier, slightly tangier stew base.

How to Make Beef and Vegetable Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Pat beef chunks dry with paper towels, then sear them in batches until each piece is deeply browned on all sides. Browning locks in juices and creates a rich base flavor for your stew.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Remove the beef and add chopped onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook gently until softened and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic (natural) in the last minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This step builds the foundation with sweet, savory notes.

Step 3: Deglaze and Combine

Pour in a splash of apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This acidic touch enhances complexity. Return the beef to the pot along with tomato paste (natural), beef broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Check occasionally and stir gently to prevent sticking, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture you love.

Step 5: Add Potatoes and Finish Cooking

Once the beef is tender, add peeled and cubed potatoes. Continue simmering uncovered for another 30 to 40 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and thicken the broth slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove bay leaves before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Beef and Vegetable Stew

• Pat the beef dry: Helps achieve better browning and richer flavor in the final stew.
• Don’t rush simmering: Low and slow cooking creates tenderness and melds flavors thoroughly.
• Use fresh herbs: Adds brightness and elevates the stew’s overall aroma.
• Adjust thickness: If your stew is too thin, simmer uncovered longer or stir in a bit of natural gelling agent dissolved in water.
• Layer flavors: Adding acidic touches like apple cider vinegar amplifies depth and balances richness.

How to Serve Beef and Vegetable Stew

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or thyme sprigs make beautiful, fresh-tasting garnishes that add a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm crusty bread or fluffy rice to soak up every drop of the luscious stew sauce. A simple green salad balances the meal with crisp freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, ladle the stew into rustic bowls and top with a swirl of plant-based yogurt or drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil. Adding roasted root vegetables as a side enhances the fall-inspired comfort vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors improve overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

This beef and vegetable stew freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the stew and keep it silky.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of beef?

Absolutely. While beef chuck is ideal for stew because of its marbling, other cuts like brisket or round can work but may require adjustments to cooking time.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This stew is perfect for meal prep since it tastes great reheated and can be portioned easily for grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Definitely. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

How do I make the stew thicker?

If you want a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for a while, or stir in a little natural gelling agent dissolved in cold water, letting it cook for a few more minutes.

Can I add other vegetables?

For sure! Green beans, peas, or even turnips can be added depending on your preferences and seasonal availability, just add them at appropriate cooking stages for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Vegetable Stew is a true kitchen champion, offering a hearty, flavorful experience that feels like a warm embrace on any night. It’s straightforward enough for weeknights yet special enough for family gatherings, making it an absolute must-try. So grab your pot, gather those fresh veggies and tender beef, and get ready to enjoy a soul-soothing meal everyone will adore!

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