Easy Beef Stew

Why make this recipe

Easy Beef Stew is a comfort food that warms you up and fills your belly. It is simple to make and perfect for family dinners. This hearty dish is packed with tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and a rich broth. It’s a one-pot meal that is not only delicious but also great for leftovers, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

How to make Easy Beef Stew

Ingredients :

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for browning

Directions :

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Add the beef broth, potatoes, and carrots.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

How to serve Easy Beef Stew

Serve the beef stew hot in bowls. You can enjoy it with crusty bread on the side or sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a touch of color. It’s great for a cozy family meal or when you have guests over.

How to store Easy Beef Stew

Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure it has cooled down before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good in the freezer for about 3 months.

Tips to make Easy Beef Stew

• Cut the beef into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine when cooking the onion and garlic.
• If you like thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with some cold water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

Variation

You can add other vegetables like peas or green beans for more variety. If you prefer a different flavor, try using different spices such as rosemary or paprika.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for stew?
Yes, other cuts like chuck roast or round steak work well too. Just make sure they are suitable for slow cooking.

Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the meat as directed, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Is it necessary to brown the meat?
Browning the meat adds depth and flavor to the stew, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step. The stew will still be tasty!

Easy Beef Stew

A comforting and hearty one-pot beef stew with tender meat and nutritious vegetables, perfect for family dinners and easy leftovers.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for browning

Method

 

Cooking

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
4. Add the beef broth, potatoes, and carrots.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine when cooking the onion and garlic. Cut the beef into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. For thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with some cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Naya Lucas