Beef Stew With Carrots and Potatoes
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This hearty Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes is perfect for a cozy dinner. It's packed with rich flavors and tender meat, making it a family favorite.
This Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes is a classic dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, while the vegetables soak up all the delicious flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, savory flavor from slow-cooked beef
- Vegetables that are perfectly tender and flavorful
- A comforting dish that's great for cold nights
Perfect for Cold Nights
There's something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of beef stew on a chilly evening. The rich aroma wafting through your kitchen instantly transforms your home into a cozy haven. As the stew simmers, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that not only warms your body but also your soul.
This Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes is especially inviting during winter months. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory broth makes it the ideal comfort food. It’s a meal that brings families together, encouraging everyone to gather around the table and share stories over steaming bowls.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best features of this beef stew recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spices based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can add peas, green beans, or even mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For an extra layer of flavor, a splash of red wine can elevate the dish further. The beauty of this recipe is that it's forgiving and adaptable, allowing you to make it uniquely yours.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This beef stew is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare a large batch and store it in airtight containers for up to three days in the refrigerator. It also freezes well, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to restore the original consistency. Enjoying a homemade meal that tastes just as good the next day is one of the simple pleasures of cooking this stew.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious beef stew:
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Beef Stew:
Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Add the browned beef back to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Serve
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your homemade Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes!
Why Choose Beef Chuck?
Beef chuck is often the preferred cut for stews due to its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. This cut contains a good amount of connective tissue and marbling, which breaks down during cooking, resulting in incredibly tender meat. The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb the flavors of the broth and spices, enriching the overall taste of the dish.
Additionally, beef chuck is economical, making it a great choice for families looking to enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank. By using this cut, you're not just getting great flavor but also a satisfying meal that can feed a crowd.
The Benefits of Home Cooking
Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, ensuring a healthier meal. You can choose high-quality cuts of meat, organic vegetables, and limit added sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought options. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also brings a personal touch to every dish you create.
Moreover, home cooking encourages family bonding. Preparing meals together can be a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones and teach children valuable cooking skills. The process of making a stew can become a cherished family tradition, filled with laughter and shared memories.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use lamb or pork, but cooking times may vary.
→ How can I make this stew gluten-free?
Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
→ Can I freeze the stew?
Yes, you can freeze the stew in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve with beef stew?
It's great on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Beef Stew With Carrots and Potatoes
This hearty Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes is perfect for a cozy dinner. It's packed with rich flavors and tender meat, making it a family favorite.
Created by: Sabrina Holt
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the browned beef back to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g