There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of stew, don’t you think? When the weather gets chilly, I crave this hearty stovetop beef stew like crazy! It’s not just about filling your belly; it’s about those rich, deep flavors that come together as they simmer. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking is pure magic! The best stovetop beef stew recipe is practically effortless. You just toss everything into one pot and let it work its wonders while you relax or tackle other things. Plus, the tender chunks of beef and vibrant veggies make it feel like a warm hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Best Stovetop Beef Stew Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot before adding the beef. This is crucial for getting that beautiful brown crust on the meat!
- Next, toss in your 2 lbs of beef chuck, making sure to brown it on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the browning adds so much flavor!
- Once the beef is browned, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside. You might want to cover it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the veggies.
- In the same pot, add 1 chopped onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Now, stir in the 3 sliced carrots and 3 diced potatoes. Let them cook for another 5 minutes, just enough to start softening them up a bit.
- Time to bring the beef back into the mix! Add the beef back to the pot along with 4 cups of beef broth. Then stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, toss in a bay leaf for that extra depth of flavor.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours. This is where the magic happens—just let it bubble away until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully!
- Before serving, don’t forget to remove that bay leaf. It’s not meant to be eaten, just there to do its job!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your stovetop beef stew turns out absolutely amazing! Here are my tried-and-true tips that’ll help you nail this recipe every single time.
- Browning the Meat: Don’t skip the browning step! It’s crucial for building flavor. Make sure your pot is hot enough before adding the beef, and don’t crowd the pan—brown in batches if necessary. Each piece should have room to get a nice sear, which is what brings out those rich, savory notes.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust the seasoning. If you like it a bit saltier, add more salt. Prefer a touch of sweetness? A pinch of sugar can balance out the flavors beautifully. Just remember, you can always add, but you can’t take away!
- Thickening the Stew: If you like a thicker stew, here’s my secret: mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give you that hearty, luscious texture without any lumps!
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix up the vegetables! Add peas, green beans, or even mushrooms if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time slightly, as some veggies cook faster than others.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day! If you have time, make it ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight. The flavors have a chance to meld together, which means you’ll have an even more delicious meal waiting for you!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re set up for success to make the best stovetop beef stew ever. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavors: The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Simple Preparation: With just one pot and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
- Hearty Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this stew is not only filling but also nutritious, making it a great choice for family meals.
- Comforting and Cozy: There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm beef stew to comfort you on a chilly day—it’s like a warm hug in food form!
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
- Leftover Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this hearty stovetop beef stew. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This stew is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Enjoy every comforting bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is my go-to for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or round. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
How can I make this stew even spicier?
If you like a kick of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can always adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, but I recommend adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just brown the meat and sauté the veggies as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a deliciously tender stew.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for about 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious stovetop beef stew simmering away, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it! Trust me, a few simple sides can elevate your meal from great to absolutely fantastic!
- Crusty Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, crusty baguette or some fresh dinner rolls. They’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, savory broth!
- Mashed Potatoes: If you want to go all out, creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. The smoothness complements the hearty stew beautifully.
- Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the stew. It balances the meal perfectly!
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash in olive oil and roast them until caramelized. They add a lovely touch of sweetness to your plate.
- Rice or Quinoa: If you’re looking for something a bit different, serve the stew over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. It’s a great way to make the meal even more filling!
Whichever sides you choose, they’ll surely enhance your experience of enjoying the best stovetop beef stew recipe. Happy feasting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers from your best stovetop beef stew recipe! First off, you’ll want to let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your stew watery. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, and trust me, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
If you’ve got more than you can eat, you can freeze the stew! Just grab some freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container or bag since the stew will expand as it freezes. It’ll keep well for about 3 months, so you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go whenever you need it!
When it comes time to reheat, you can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stovetop, just pour the stew into a pot and heat over medium-low until it’s warmed through, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Oh, and if the stew thickens up a bit too much while sitting, don’t fret! Just add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating, and give it a good stir. You’ll be back to savoring that cozy goodness in no time!
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Best Stovetop Beef Stew Recipe: 7 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty stovetop beef stew that delivers rich flavors and tender meat.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and brown on all sides.
- Remove beef and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot, sauté until softened.
- Stir in carrots and potatoes.
- Add beef back to the pot.
- Pour in beef broth and add tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours until beef is tender.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- For thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: best stovetop beef stew recipe
