Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots

Description

A warm and comforting beef stew made with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a rich savory gravy. Slow simmering allows the beef to become tender and gives the vegetables plenty of flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb (900 g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 1½ lb potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the beef
Pat the beef cubes dry and season with salt and black pepper.

2. Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

3. Sauté the vegetables
Add the onion and carrots to the same pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Add flour and tomato paste
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Add the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute.

5. Add broth and seasonings
Slowly pour in the beef broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

6. Simmer the beef
Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.

7. Add potatoes
Add the potatoes and continue cooking for 30–40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.

8. Finish and serve
Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Healthy Benefits

• Protein-rich: Beef provides high-quality protein and iron.
• Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes add important vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Iron and zinc: Beef is a good source of these essential minerals.
• One-pot meal: Combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one comforting dish.
• Homemade: You can control the amount of salt and added fat.

Pro Tips

• Use beef chuck for the most tender and flavorful stew.
• Don’t skip browning the beef—it adds deep flavor.
• Brown the beef in batches instead of overcrowding the pot.
• Keep the stew at a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil.
• For thicker gravy, simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes.
• Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving for an even richer texture.

Frequency

This hearty stew can be enjoyed once or twice a week as part of a balanced diet, preferably with plenty of vegetables.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.

Q: Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes. Beef round or brisket can work, although chuck is especially good for slow-cooked stew.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Peas, mushrooms, celery, green beans, or parsnips are excellent additions.

Q: Can I freeze the stew?
Yes. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to about 3 months.

Q: How can I make it gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Crusty whole-grain bread
• Fresh green salad
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed cauliflower
• Fresh parsley

Variations

• Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Cook low and slow for extra-tender beef.
• Mushroom Beef Stew: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Garlic Herb Stew: Add extra garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
• Spicy Beef Stew: Add paprika, chili flakes, or cayenne.
• Vegetable-Packed: Add peas, celery, mushrooms, and green beans.

Related Recipe Ideas

• Old Fashioned Beef Stew
• High-Protein Dutch Oven Beef Stew
• Vegetable Beef Soup
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Beef and Potato Casserole
• Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes & Carrots is the ultimate comfort food. Tender beef, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, and a rich savory broth come together for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners. ❤️