Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.