Description
This hearty and rich Traditional Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or Sunday family dinners. Loaded with tender beef, chunky vegetables, and simmered in a savory broth, it’s an easy recipe ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, meal prep inspiration, or healthy one-pot meals, this beef stew fits the bill with its warm, satisfying flavors and freezer-friendly nature. Great for weeknight meals, winter dinners, or when you simply crave a comforting bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
1 cup frozen peas
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
1. Cut the beef into chunks, season with salt and pepper, and coat lightly with flour.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches.
3. Remove the beef and sauté the chopped onions and garlic in the same pot until softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for 1–2 minutes to caramelize.
5. Pour in red wine (if using) and deglaze the pot, scraping the brown bits from the bottom.
6. Return beef to the pot, then add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
8. Add potatoes and carrots, then cook for an additional 30 minutes.
9. Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
10. Remove bay leaf and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.
Notes
For deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight and reheat before serving.
You can substitute wine with balsamic vinegar or extra broth.
To thicken the stew, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: traditional beef stew, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, stew, one pot meal