Beef stew with vegetables is a warm, hearty dish made with tender beef chunks and a mix of carrots, potatoes, and onions. It’s perfect for cozy nights and makes plenty to share.
I once made this on a rainy day and couldn’t stop tasting the broth. It’s so comforting, I’d happily have leftovers for breakfast!
If you want to save time, use pre-chopped veggies. Just add a little extra broth so it doesn’t get too thick!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for stew because it’s tender when cooked long. I recommend browning it first for flavor, but you can swap in stew meat or even ground beef for a quicker version.
Carrots and potatoes: These add natural sweetness and heartiness. Fresh carrots are best, but frozen work fine. Use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a richer flavor.
Onion and garlic: They form the flavor base. I suggest yellow onions for sweetness, but red onions work in a pinch. If you’re out, garlic powder can add a quick boost.
Beef broth and tomato paste: These create richness. Use low-sodium broth to control salt. For a thicker stew, add a splash of red wine or a little Worcestershire sauce.
Herbs (bay leaves, thyme): These add depth. Fresh herbs are great, but dried can be used—just use less since they are more concentrated.
How do I sear beef without it drying out?
1. Pat the beef dry with paper towels before cooking. Moisture on the surface causes steaming, not searing.
2. Use a hot pan with oil—wait until it’s shimmering before adding meat. Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
3. Don’t move the beef until it naturally releases from the pan, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and repeat until all sides are browned evenly.
How to Make Beef Stew with Vegetables?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
10 minutes prep + 2 hours cooking + optional 10 minutes for garnishing = approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients
Chop the vegetables and cut the beef into chunks. Mince the garlic. Gather all ingredients before cooking.
2. Brown the beef
In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables
In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add liquids and seasonings
Return beef to the pot. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer the stew
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
6. Serve the stew
Check seasoning and add salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with bread or over rice if desired.
