Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables Recipe is absolutely the answer. I love this stew because it’s packed with tender chunks of beef and perfectly cooked vegetables swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a family favorite that you’re excited to pull out whenever you want something satisfying and wholesome.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right combination of ingredients makes all the difference in my Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables Recipe. Each element—from the tender beef to the fresh veggies—works in harmony to create a stew that’s comforting and filling. Here’s what I recommend picking up to get started.

• Stewing beef: Look for well-marbled beef chunks; this ensures tenderness after simmering.
• All-purpose flour: This helps create a beautiful crust on the beef and thickens the stew.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle punch of flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Olive oil: Use a good-quality oil for browning the beef and softening vegetables.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked slowly.
• Beef broth: The base for the stew’s rich and savory liquid.
• Red wine (optional): I love how it adds complexity, but you can skip it if you prefer.
• Potatoes: I recommend starchy potatoes that hold up well without turning mushy.
• Carrots: They lend a nice sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery: Brings that classic aromatic flavor base.
• Tomato paste: Boosts richness and balances savory flavors.
• Dried or fresh rosemary: A fragrant herb that pairs amazingly with beef.
• Cornstarch and water: To thicken the stew to your desired consistency.
• Peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.

Variations

I like to think of this Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables Recipe as a flexible canvas. You can tweak it depending on what you have or your dietary preferences. Don’t be shy to experiment—you’ll enjoy finding your own perfect twist!

• Swap the wine for extra broth: I first tried this dish without wine because I didn’t have any on hand, and it worked perfectly well.
• Add mushrooms: For an earthier flavor, I often toss in sliced mushrooms during the cooking process.
• Make it gluten-free: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour to coat the beef and thicken the stew.
• Vegetarian version: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a comforting veggie stew.

How to Make Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Beef

Start by mixing the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss your stewing beef cubes in this mixture until they’re lightly coated. This step helps the beef brown beautifully and also thickens the stew later. I used to skip this, but I discovered it makes a huge flavor difference and gives the stew that restaurant-quality look and feel.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in small batches—not to overcrowd the pan—so it gets that lovely crust instead of steaming. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. This step adds layers of flavor you don’t want to miss.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed and toss in the chopped onion. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant, around 3 minutes. This releases their sweetness and develops the stew’s base flavor. Don’t rush this part—it’s worth the patience.

Step 4: Deglaze and Combine Ingredients

Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if you’re using it), scraping up those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom—that’s pure flavor gold. Return the browned beef to the pot, then add the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer to Tenderness

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer—this is where the magic happens. Cook for about 1 hour, checking for tenderness. Sometimes I’ve let it go up to 90 minutes if the beef isn’t quite there yet. The longer, slower cooking really brings out that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 6: Thicken the Stew

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly stir it into the boiling stew. Keep an eye on it as it thickens—you may not need all the slurry depending on how thick you like your stew. This trick gives the broth a silky, velvety texture that’s so satisfying.

Step 7: Add Peas and Finish

Finally, stir in the peas and simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Those green bursts add freshness and sweetness that balance the richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then it’s ready to serve. I always taste and adjust seasoning at the end—it’s the little tweaks that make a big difference.

How to Serve Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this stew with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme—it adds a little burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens each spoonful. Sometimes I grate a bit of sharp cheddar on top for an indulgent touch. It’s these small finishing details that make dinner feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables Recipe stands strongly on its own, but I love serving it with crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all the lovely juices. Occasionally, I add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad if I want a bit of freshness to contrast the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this stew in individual mini Dutch ovens or cast-iron skillets—it’s a fun way to make each plate feel personal and comforting. Garnishing with a sprig of rosemary and a shaving of Parmesan always gets my guests asking for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers for the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for up to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

If I have extra, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Just make sure to leave some room at the top because the stew will expand a bit. When frozen, it keeps well for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I prefer reheating gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew thickens too much, adding a splash of beef broth or water helps loosen it up. Microwave works too for quick meals—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables Recipe holds such a special place in my kitchen repertoire because of how reliably comforting and delicious it is. I remember the first time I made it for my family and how everyone went back for seconds—and even thirds! If you’re looking for a stew recipe that’s straightforward, flexible, and truly satisfying, give this one a try. I promise it’ll warm your soul and fill your belly with happiness.

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