Cozy Up with a Soul-Warming Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew Recipe

Cold winter nights call for a classic beef and vegetable stew that warms you from the inside out.

This rich, soul-satisfying hearty beef and vegetable stew recipe promises comfort in every spoonful.

Tender chunks of beef melt into a savory broth packed with colorful vegetables and deep, robust flavors.

Each ingredient works harmoniously to create a dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the stew develops layers of taste that dance across your palate.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this recipe a weeknight winner.

Grab your favorite pot and get ready to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises pure, hearty satisfaction.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 342 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything You Need for Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

• Beef Cubes: Hearty protein star that provides rich, robust flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked; choose well-marbled meat for maximum succulence.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides smooth searing surface and helps develop deep caramelization on meat's exterior.

• Bouillon Cube: Concentrated flavor bomb that infuses deep savory essence into entire stew.
• Water: Essential liquid for creating perfect cooking environment and helping ingredients meld together.
• Flour: Magical thickening agent that transforms thin broth into luxurious, silky sauce.
• Salt: Flavor amplifier that brings out natural taste of all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, slightly spicy undertone and aromatic complexity.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that introduces subtle woodland-like flavor profile.
• Tomato Paste: Provides rich, deep umami base and beautiful reddish color.

• Potatoes: Hearty, starchy vegetable that creates satisfying body and absorbs surrounding flavors beautifully.
• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
• Peas: Delicate green gems that bring freshness and slight sweetness to the stew.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that contribute delightful bursts of texture and sunshine-like flavor.

Gather These Tools for Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

• Instant Pot or Large Pot: Essential for searing beef and cooking the stew.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping beef and vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise meat and vegetable cutting.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.
• Slurry Bowl: Small bowl for mixing flour and water to thicken sauce.

How to Make Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew from Scratch

• Meat Selection

Choose high-quality beef chuck or stew meat with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness.

• Searing Magic

Brown meat in hot oil until edges develop a rich, golden-brown crust that seals in delicious juices.

• Flavor Building

Create a savory liquid base by combining water, bouillon, herbs, and tomato paste to enhance the stew’s depth.

• Vegetable Harmony

Layer root vegetables and sweet corn to provide texture and complementary flavors throughout the dish.

• Slow Transformation

Allow the stew to simmer gently, giving ingredients time to meld and tenderize, creating a comforting one-pot meal.

• Finishing Touch

Let the stew rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and become more pronounced before serving.

Smart Prep Tips for Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

• Swap beef chuck for leaner cuts like sirloin or add lamb for a different protein profile.
• Dust beef pieces with flour before searing to create a deliciously crispy exterior and help thicken the stew naturally.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes to add unique flavors and nutrients to your stew.
• This stew tastes even better the next day, so prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for an intensely rich meal.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of this comforting classic stew.

Best Ways to Serve Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

• Serve Over Warm Comfort: Ladle this rich, hearty stew over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh pop of color and a burst of herbal flavor that cuts through the stew's richness.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a thick slice of crusty sourdough or rustic bread to soak up the delicious, savory sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the tender beef and vegetables.
• Customize with Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, or a few crispy bacon bits to personalize your stew and elevate its comfort food status.

Tips and Make-Ahead Ideas for Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover stew into airtight containers, ensuring they're completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Refrigerate Quickly: Keep stew in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its rich flavors and tender meat texture when stored properly in sealed containers.
• Freeze for Later: Pack stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen stew stays delicious for 2-3 months, offering a convenient meal option for busy days.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed stew gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching. Add a splash of water or broth if the stew seems too thick, helping restore its original creamy consistency.

Comforting Beef And Vegetable Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

This classic beef and vegetable stew offers robust flavors from slow-simmered meat and seasonal produce. Rich ingredients blend perfectly, creating a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger with minimal preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 900 grams (2 lbs) boneless beef chuck roast, cubed
• 2 cups potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, cut into medallions
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 0.5 cups shallot, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsps tomato paste
• 3 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp no sodium bouillon cube
• 3.5 tsps salt
• 1.5 tsps black pepper
• 2 tsps dried thyme
• 2 cups water (500 ml), plus more if not using an Instant Pot
• 2 tsps flour (optional, for a thicker sauce)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat beef cubes with salt, ensuring even distribution and enhanced flavor absorption.
2. Searing Stage: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then introduce seasoned beef chunks, creating a rich golden-brown exterior by rotating pieces systematically.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Whisk flour with water to create a smooth slurry, then dissolve bouillon cube in warm liquid, blending black pepper, thyme, and tomato paste for a deep, complex taste profile.
4. Vegetable Integration: Roughly chop potatoes, carrots, and combine with frozen peas and corn, adding substantial texture and nutritional depth to the stew.
5. Liquid Infusion: Pour prepared flavor-rich liquid over meat and vegetables, completely submerging ingredients to ensure thorough cooking and flavor melding.
6. Cooking Method: For Instant Pot, seal lid and pressurize for 55-60 minutes; alternatively, for traditional oven preparation, cover pot and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours until ingredients reach optimal tenderness.
7. Finishing Touch: Allow stew to rest for 10 minutes, permitting flavors to harmonize and sauce to naturally thicken, creating a rich, comforting final dish ready for serving.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose chuck roast or stew beef with good marbling for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Searing Secrets: Take time to brown meat thoroughly, creating a deep caramelized crust that develops complex taste layers.
• Liquid Leverage: Use beef broth instead of water for enhanced depth and more robust meat flavor profile.
• Resting Ritual: Letting stew sit allows ingredients to absorb seasonings and sauce to naturally thicken, improving overall texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing, Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 342
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 879 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg