This hearty beef stew is filled with juicy chunks of meat, tasty veggies, and soft noodles. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
I love how simple it is to throw everything in one pot. Plus, the noodles soak up all the delicious flavors. Every spoonful warms my heart—and my tummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I love using chuck roast for its richness. If you’re looking for leaner cuts, try sirloin or round, but they may not be as tender when simmered.
Vegetable Oil: You can use olive oil for a deeper flavor or avocado oil for a higher smoke point. Butter is also nice but use it in combination if you want that rich taste.
Broth: Homemade beef broth always tastes best! But if you’re short on time, use store-bought. Just make sure to choose low-sodium if you prefer controlling salt levels.
Noodles: Rotini is perfect for soaking up the stew’s flavors. If you need gluten-free options, look for rice noodles or use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery bring sweetness and crunch. You can swap in parsnips for carrots or throw in some green beans or potatoes if you fancy a change.
How Do I Achieve Tender, Flavorful Beef in My Stew?
The key to tender, flavorful beef is in the browning and simmering. Browning the meat creates a rich flavor base, as the caramelization adds depth. Follow these steps:
- Set your pot to medium-high heat and wait until it’s hot before adding oil.
- Brown the beef in batches, giving it space. If overcrowded, it will steam instead of brown!
- After browning, let the meat rest briefly—it seals in those juices.
- While simmering, patience is your friend! Long and slow cooking (1.5 to 2 hours) lets the meat become tender.
Beef Stew with Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 sprig fresh thyme)
- 1 sprig rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Noodles:
- 2 cups rotini or spiral egg noodles
For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stew takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 2-2.5 hours of cooking time. So, set aside a little over 2 hours to let those flavors meld together perfectly. You can relax while it simmers away on the stove!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
To start, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides for extra flavor, then remove the browned meat and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring until it’s fragrant and delightful.
3. Combining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. These ingredients pack a flavorful punch!
4. Simmering Away:
Pour in the beef broth and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is super tender.
5. Adding Veggies:
After your beef is tender, add the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are nice and tender.
6. Final Seasoning:
Remove the rosemary sprig and bay leaf from the pot. Give the stew a taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Cooking the Noodles:
Add the frozen peas and noodles directly to the stew. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
8. Optional Thickening Step:
If you prefer a thick stew, melt the butter in a small pan and stir in the flour to create a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisk this mixture into the stew. Let it simmer until thickened to your liking.
9. Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and dig in! This dish is perfect for cozy family meals and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry before browning for optimal results!
Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add beans or lentils for protein to make a delicious veggie stew!
How Should I Store Leftover Stew?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! To reheat, thaw if frozen, and warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if it’s too thick.
What Can I Serve with Beef Stew?
This stew is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with fresh crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal. A side salad or some roasted vegetables can complement it nicely!
