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easy beef stew 2026 04 08 133212 683x1024 1

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
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
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.