When you’re craving a hearty meal, this slow-simmered beef and vegetable stew delivers ultimate comfort. This one-pot wonder is packed with flavor, making it a perfect comfort food dinner recipe for any evening. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare a dish that tastes like it simmered all day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Beef Stew Meat: You can use chuck roast or a similar cut, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth works too.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. Sweet potatoes also make a great addition.
- Carrots & Celery: Essential for classic stew flavor.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add extra depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami note. Soy sauce can be a substitute in a pinch.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 380 calories
- Tools Needed: Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cutting board, sharp knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides in batches. Remove the seared beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds the foundation for a delicious comfort food dinner recipe.
3. Deglaze and Combine
Pour in a splash of the vegetable broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the seared beef to the pot.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the remaining vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, chopped carrots, celery, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer the Stew
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let your beef and vegetable stew simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving this comforting meal.
Variation Ideas
- Add a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 20 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
- Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the aromatics for a deeper tomato flavor.
- Include a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir into the simmering stew during the last 15 minutes.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover slow-simmered beef and vegetable stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly warm. This comfort food dinner recipe tastes even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you make this stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Sear the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: What kind of beef is best for stew?
A: Chuck roast is ideal because it breaks down beautifully during long, slow cooking, becoming very tender.
Q: Can you freeze beef stew?
A: Absolutely. Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How do you thicken beef stew?
A: You can thicken it by simmering uncovered for the last 30 minutes, or by making a cornstarch slurry and stirring it in.
Q: What can you serve with beef stew?
A: Crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple green salad are excellent accompaniments to this hearty comfort food dinner recipe.
Q: What if your stew meat isn’t tender enough?
A: It simply needs more time. Continue simmering on low heat, checking every 30 minutes, until the beef is fork-tender.