Beef Stew with Vegetables

 

🍲 Beef Stew with Vegetables – A Classic Comfort Dish

Few dishes say comfort food quite like a steaming bowl of Beef Stew with Vegetables. Tender chunks of beef simmered slowly in a rich, savory broth, surrounded by carrots, potatoes, and herbs — it’s a meal that warms both the body and the soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends, this classic stew is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with smiles.

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🥩 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, deep flavor: Slow cooking brings out the beef’s natural tenderness and the vegetables’ sweetness.

• Nutritious and satisfying: A wholesome balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

• Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables or add a splash of wine for a gourmet twist.

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🧄 Ingredients

• 1½ lbs (700 g) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

• 4 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)

• 1 cup red wine (optional, for richness)

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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🍳 Instructions

1. Sear the beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides (in batches if necessary). Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the aromatics
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

3. Add tomato paste and flour
Stir in tomato paste and flour (if using) and cook for 1 minute. This helps build flavor and slightly thickens the stew.

4. Deglaze and simmer
Pour in wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and the browned beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

5. Slow cook until tender
Cover and simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.

6. Add the potatoes
About 30 minutes before the stew is done, add potatoes. Continue cooking until all vegetables are soft and the stew is rich and thick.

7. Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

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💡 Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew

• Choose the right cut: Beef chuck or brisket gives the best texture and flavor after slow cooking.

• Don’t rush it: The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful the beef becomes.

• For extra depth: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, or soy sauce.

• Leftovers magic: Store in the fridge overnight — the flavors meld beautifully by the next day.

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🍞 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

• Pair with a glass of red wine or dark ale for a cozy dinner.

• Add a simple green salad on the side for balance.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

This Beef Stew with Vegetables is everything comfort food should be — rich, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of timeless dish that brings family and friends together around the table, no matter the season.

Whether you simmer it on the stove or in a slow cooker, this classic recipe proves that sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying.