Savory Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe

Vegetable beef stew is a slow-cooked dish made with chunks of beef, vegetables, and a savory broth. The beef becomes tender as it simmers, absorbing the flavors of the vegetables and spices. Common ingredients include carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, and peas, with seasonings like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves for extra depth. The dish is a comforting, filling meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with crusty bread.

The total cooking time for vegetable beef stew is about 2 to 2.5 hours. The beef requires time to cook slowly, ensuring it becomes tender and flavorful. Most of this time is spent simmering the stew on low heat, which allows the ingredients to meld together perfectly. The preparation itself takes around 15-20 minutes, with the majority of the time spent allowing the stew to cook.

Cooking vegetable beef stew offers a satisfying and comforting experience. The tender beef and well-cooked vegetables combine to create a rich, flavorful broth that is both filling and warming. Adding in the right herbs and spices makes a big difference in enhancing the overall taste, making every bite delicious. Sharing this meal with others creates a sense of togetherness, as it’s a dish loved by all ages. The time spent simmering the stew also allows you to savor the anticipation of enjoying something so nourishing and hearty.

Why You’ll Love It Vegetable Beef Stew

• Perfect Comfort Food: Vegetable Beef Stew is a warm and hearty meal, perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with tender beef, healthy veggies, and a rich broth, making it a filling dish loved by all.
• Easy to Make: This stew is simple to prepare. With minimal ingredients and basic steps, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrient-Rich and Healthy: Loaded with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas, this stew offers essential nutrients. It’s a great way to get your daily servings of veggies while enjoying a flavorful dish.

Ingredient Notes for Vegetable Beef Stew

• Beef Stew Meat: Choose cuts like chuck or round for tender and flavorful results. Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking. The beef adds rich flavor to the stew.
• Beef Broth: This is the base of the stew. It brings depth to the flavor and helps cook the meat and vegetables. You can use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level.
• Carrots: Carrots add a slight sweetness and vibrant color. Slice them into rounds or chunks for texture that holds up well in long cooking.
• Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like russets. They help thicken the stew as they break down during cooking. Cut them into cubes to allow even cooking.
• Onion: Onions bring aromatic flavor to the stew. Dice them finely, so they blend well with the broth, enhancing the overall taste.
• Celery Stalks: Celery adds crunch and a subtle, savory flavor. Chop the stalks into small pieces to distribute evenly throughout the stew.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and fragrance. Mince or crush garlic cloves to release their oils and infuse the stew with a savory taste.
• Frozen Peas: Peas add a burst of color and sweetness. They are added toward the end of cooking to maintain their bright texture and flavor.
• Tomato Paste: A small amount of tomato paste intensifies the stew’s flavor, giving it a rich, slightly tangy undertone.
• Dried Thyme: Thyme is a classic herb for stews. Its earthy, slightly minty flavor pairs well with the beef and vegetables.
• Dried Rosemary: Rosemary offers a strong, pine-like flavor. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the stew.
• Bay Leaves: Bay leaves are added for their subtle, herbal aroma. Remember to remove them before serving, as they don’t soften during cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors of the stew. Adjust to taste, but be careful with salt if using broth that’s already salted.
• Olive Oil: Use olive oil to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables. It helps enhance the flavors and prevents sticking during cooking.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch to Vegetable Beef Stew

When making Vegetable Beef Stew, focus on using fresh, quality ingredients. This will make your stew taste better and feel healthier. Choose tender cuts of beef, like chuck, and cook them until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender. The flavors will develop over time, creating a rich stew.

To enhance your Vegetable Beef Stew, consider adding a variety of vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions are popular choices. You can also experiment with adding peas, green beans, or even parsnips. This will add texture and depth to the stew, making it more exciting.

Season your stew with herbs and spices that complement the beef and vegetables. Common seasonings include garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. A pinch of salt and pepper can also go a long way. Remember to taste your stew as it simmers and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Vegetable Beef Stew Variation

If you’re looking for a new twist on your classic vegetable beef stew, consider these variations:

• Add Extra Vegetables: You can include parsnips, turnips, or even butternut squash for a different flavor.
• Spicy Beef Stew: Add a touch of heat with chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to spice things up.
• Tomato-based Stew: If you prefer a tomato-based broth, add a can of diced tomatoes or tomato paste along with the beef broth for a tangier flavor.
• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: For ease, you can make this stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours in the slow cooker or 35 minutes on high pressure in the Instant Pot.

How to Serve Vegetable Beef Stew

Vegetable Beef Stew is best served hot and can be enjoyed as a main dish. To make the meal even heartier, consider serving it with one of these sides:

• Crusty Bread: A loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette can complement the heaviness of the stew.
• Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.

This stew is also great as leftovers, as the flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge.

Storage Options

Vegetable Beef Stew stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. Here’s how you can store it:

• In the Refrigerator: Let the stew cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• In the Freezer: To store the stew longer, freeze it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

FAQs About Vegetable Beef Stew

How do you make vegetable beef stew?
To make vegetable beef stew, you brown the beef, then simmer it with vegetables, broth, and seasonings until everything is tender. You can also add extra herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.

Can you freeze vegetable beef stew?
Yes, vegetable beef stew can be frozen for up to three months. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container, and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

What can I serve with vegetable beef stew?
Vegetable beef stew pairs well with bread, rice, or a simple side salad. These sides help soak up the rich, flavorful broth.

How long should I cook vegetable beef stew?
The cooking time for vegetable beef stew can vary, but it usually takes 2 to 3 hours when simmered on low heat. This slow cooking ensures the beef is tender and the flavors have time to develop.

Savory Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe

Vegetable beef stew is a slow-cooked dish made with chunksof beef, vegetables, and a savory broth. The beef becomes tender as it simmers,absorbing the flavors of the vegetables and spices. Common ingredients includecarrots, potatoes, onions, celery, and peas, with seasonings like thyme,rosemary, and bay leaves for extra depth. The dish is a comforting, fillingmeal that can be enjoyed on its own or with crusty bread.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ lbs of beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into cubes
• 4 cups of beef broth low sodium preferred
• 3 large carrots peeled and chopped
• 3 large potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil for browning the beef

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Lid for the Pot

Method

 

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the liquids: Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot — this adds a ton of flavor!
4. Season the stew: Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the browned beef to the pot and stir everything together.
5. Simmer the stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Add potatoes and peas: After an hour, add the diced potatoes and frozen peas to the pot. Stir and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened to your liking.
7. Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the stew needs a little more salt or pepper, add it at this stage.

Notes

When making vegetable beef stew, don’t rush the simmering process. Let the stew cook slowly, as this allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together perfectly. You can even let it cook for a little longer for even richer flavor. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot to naturally thicken the broth. For added richness, you can stir in a little cream or milk just before serving.