Ah, beef stew! There’s something so warm and comforting about a big bowl of this hearty dish. Growing up, my mom would make beef stew on chilly Sundays, and the entire house would fill with the rich aromas of savory goodness. It was the perfect way to end the week and get us ready for the school week ahead. Now that I’m an adult (and a real cook), I’ve perfected my own version that’s super easy but still packs a ton of flavor. So, let me share my secret to an easy homemade beef stew that you can whip up in no time!
What I love most about this stew is its versatility. You can throw in whatever vegetables you have lying around or even swap the beef for chicken or lentils if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing—seriously, who can resist that? Whether you’re cozying up to it on a chilly evening or serving it at a family gathering, this stew has a special way of warming both your heart and your belly!
What’s in Easy Homemade Beef Stew?
Beef Chuck: A beautiful cut of meat that’s perfect for stewing! It becomes incredibly tender during the long, slow cooking process. I recommend going for grass-fed if you can—it adds an extra layer of flavor.
Beef Broth: This is the base of our stew, lending that rich, savory depth. I prefer low-sodium broth to control the salt levels, but feel free to use homemade if you have it!
Potatoes: These starchy gems absorb the flavors beautifully while adding heartiness to the stew. I like Yukon Gold or Russet, but honestly, any potato will do.
Carrots: Sweet, sliced beauties that add color and a slight crunch. Fresh carrots work best, but I won’t judge if you have frozen ones at the back of your freezer!
Onion: This aromatic veggie is the foundation of flavor in this dish. It caramelizes beautifully, adding a sweetness to each spoonful.
Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic! It adds a pungent kick and brings all the flavors together.
Tomato Paste: A splash of tomato paste enhances the umami and rounds out the flavor profile of our stew.
Dried Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs give the stew an earthy and aromatic touch. Fresh herbs are great too if you have them.
Bay Leaves: A must-have for any stew—their subtle flavor infuses beautifully into the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Basic, yet essential for seasoning to taste. Don’t forget to taste as you go!
Olive Oil: For sautéing the meat and vegetables, giving everything a lovely golden color.
Frozen Peas: An optional addition for a pop of color and sweetness at the end! Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Is Easy Homemade Beef Stew Good for You?
You bet it is! This dish is packed with nutrients and makes for a wholesome meal.
Beef Chuck: RICH in protein and minerals like iron and zinc, which are great for energy and immune function. Just remember, it is a bit higher in fat, so enjoy it in moderation.
Potatoes: Comfort food at its finest, these are a great source of vitamins C and B6, and they provide fiber which is important for digestive health.
Carrots: Full of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. This is a great boost for your vision and skin health.
Garlic: A superstar in the health world, known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Plus, it just makes everything taste better!
Overall, this stew is a balanced meal packed with protein, veggies, and fiber, making it a great choice for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
This recipe will serve about 6 hungry bellies, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week!
How to Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew?
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes, season with salt and pepper, and brown them on all sides—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes to let those flavors shine!
4. Return the browned beef to the pot and add in the beef broth, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and bay leaves. Bring all of that goodness to a boil.
5. After it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is when the beef becomes super tender and the veggies cooked just right.
6. If you decided to use peas, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Don’t forget to fish out those bay leaves!
Comforting Serving Suggestions for Beef Stew!
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a bit of color and flair. It’s absolutely delicious when paired with crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful gravy. If you’re feeling a little different, try serving it over rice or mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal. Also, don’t hesitate to customize your stew! Some celery or parsnips are wonderful additions.
So, why not give this easy homemade beef stew a try? I promise you, every simmering hour will be worth the wait as you end up with a dish that nourishes the soul as much as the stomach. Once you’ve tried it, share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your beef stew turns out. Happy cooking, friends!
