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This easy beef stew is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with tender beef, colorful veggies, and a tasty broth, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Honestly, who can resist a bowl of stew when the smells fill the kitchen? I often find myself sneaking spoonfuls before dinner. 😉
I love how simple it is to throw everything in the pot and let it simmer. It makes dinner time stress-free and oh-so-comforting!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut of beef is perfect for stews as it becomes tender during cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use beef round or brisket instead. Just keep in mind it may need a bit more time to become tender.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. If you want, you could substitute it with vegetable oil or canola oil, which will do the trick too, though they have a milder taste.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms make for a hearty mix, but feel free to swap in parsnips or sweet potatoes. For a boost of nutrition, add in green beans or peas towards the end of cooking.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add a nice acidity to the stew. If you don’t have canned tomatoes, fresh diced tomatoes or even tomato sauce can work. Just consider adjusting the liquid in the stew if using fresh tomatoes.
Dried Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are classic choices here, but if you have Italian seasoning on hand, it can easily replace them. Fresh herbs are also a great option if available—just use three times the amount.
How Do I Brown Beef Perfectly for Stew?
Browning beef is key to adding rich flavor to your stew! Follow these steps to get it just right:
- Make sure your pot is hot before adding the olive oil; this helps create a nice crust on the beef.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this can cause steaming rather than browning. If you have a lot of beef, do it in batches.
- Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. It should have a deep, brown color.
- Once browned, remove and set aside. This will ensure the beef gets tender later on in the stew.
Delicious Easy Beef Stew Recipe
What You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy beef stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then needs about 1.5 to 2 hours to simmer on the stove. So, set aside some time to let those flavors meld together beautifully while your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas!
Instructions:
First, grab a large pot or a Dutch oven—this is where all the magic happens! Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, and once it’s nice and hot, add in the beef cubes. Don’t forget to sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper! Sear the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until they get that lovely browned color. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside for a moment. This little step makes a big difference!
Now, in that same pot (let’s not waste any of that flavor!), toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion turns a beautiful translucent color—this means it’s ready for the next steps!
Next, return your lovely browned beef to the pot. It’s time to add in the parade of veggies! Toss in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and mushrooms. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful ingredients.
Now comes the fun part! Pour in the diced tomatoes (make sure to include the juice!), beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Then, sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary for that aromatic touch. Stir everything together. It’s starting to look like a stew!
Bring the pot to a good old boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover it up and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This is when the magic happens—the beef becomes tender, and the flavors meld beautifully.
After all that delicious simmering time, give it a taste. You might want to add a little more salt and pepper at this stage, depending on your personal preference. Once it tastes perfect to you, it’s time to serve!
Dish up your hearty beef stew into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for that touch of color and freshness. Enjoy every warm, comforting bite of your easy beef stew!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is great for stews due to its marbling and flavor, you can also use brisket or round for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut, so ensure the beef is tender when finished.
How Can I Thicken the Stew?
If you’d like a thicker stew, there are a couple of options! You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you could mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to naturally thicken the broth.
Can I Substitute the Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is quite flexible. You can use frozen mixed vegetables, zucchini, or even green beans instead of potatoes and carrots. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables might need less cooking time, so add them in during the last 30 minutes to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or simmer on the stove until warmed through.
