Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a delicious beef stew simmering away in your kitchen. This one-pot hearty beef stew recipe is the answer!
It’s the perfect solution for those chilly evenings when all you want is something warm and filling. Using simple ingredients like beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, onions, and rich beef broth, you can create a meal that warms both the body and soul.
This recipe is designed for ease and flavor, allowing you to throw everything into one pot.
The tender beef chuck melds beautifully with the earthy flavors of the herbs, while the carrots and potatoes add a satisfying heartiness that’ll keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this stew is a culinary hug in a bowl.
But for those of you who love your Crock-Pot, I’ve included instructions below for slow cooking your perfect beef stew!
Creating the Perfect Beef Stew
A steaming bowl of hearty beef stew is a wonderful way to warm up on chilly evenings. This dish is a beautiful blend of beef chuck, vibrant carrots, and hearty potatoes simmering together in a rich beef broth. The combination of herbs brings an aromatic depth that makes each spoonful comforting.
As the stew bubbles away, your kitchen fills with enticing scents, promising a satisfying meal ahead. It’s a one-pot wonder that not only simplifies cooking but also enhances the flavors as everything melds together, creating a nourishing and hearty dish.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Quality ingredients play a pivotal role in the outcome of your beef stew. Start with beef chuck, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. Pair it with fresh carrots and potatoes, which add both texture and a natural sweetness to the dish.
Onions and garlic are essential for building a flavorful base. Their aromatic qualities elevate the stew, ensuring that every bite is filled with depth. Using a robust beef broth as the foundation allows for a rich and satisfying flavor profile, while a touch of herbs rounds out the dish, enhancing its comforting qualities.
The Art of Simmering
Simmering is key to achieving a tender, flavorful beef stew.
After searing the beef chuck, it’s important to create a base with sautéed onions and garlic before introducing the vegetables. This layering of flavors ensures that the stew is not just a mix of ingredients but a cohesive dish.
Once everything is combined in the pot, bringing it to a boil and then allowing it to simmer gently is vital. This slow cooking process helps break down the meat, making it tender and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully over time.
Pairing Suggestions
While beef stew stands out on its own, pairing it with complementary flavors can enhance the dining experience. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness of the stew.
A glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the deep flavors, providing a delightful pairing that elevates the meal. For a non-alcoholic option, a spiced apple cider can also offer a warm and comforting contrast to the hearty stew.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, the good news is that beef stew stores exceptionally well. Allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for several days, allowing for easy meals throughout the week.
When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to maintain the tenderness of the beef. You can also add a splash of beef broth if you feel it needs a little moisture. Enjoying it again can be just as rewarding as the first serving!
The Ultimate Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
This savory beef stew is packed with tender beef chunks, vibrant carrots, and hearty potatoes, all simmered in a flavorful beef broth. The combination of herbs infuses the dish with warmth, making it a beloved comfort food that’s perfect any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chuck and sear until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent. Add carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Beef Stew Crock-Pot Version
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the beef chuck and sear until browned on all sides. Transfer the beef to the Crock-Pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Add carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes. Transfer to the Crock-Pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth and add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine well.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
Garnishing and Serving
The finishing touches are what make a simple beef stew truly inviting. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness of the stew.
For the ultimate experience, serve your hearty beef stew with a slice of crusty bread. This combination invites you to dip and savor each bite, making every meal feel like a warm embrace.
This recipe is part of my 25 Amazing One Pot Dinners for Busy Weeknights. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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