Try This Cozy Hearty Beef And Vegetable Stew Recipe Tonight

Beef and vegetable stew represents the ultimate comfort food for cold winter nights.

Rich, warming flavors merge beautifully in this classic dish that elevates simple ingredients into something magical.

Home cooks love this recipe because it promises deep, satisfying tastes with minimal kitchen effort.

Tender meat chunks swimming alongside colorful vegetables create a nutritious meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

Slow-cooking techniques help develop incredible depth and complexity in every single bite.

Soft, pillowy bread makes the perfect companion to soak up the delicious gravy and capture all those remarkable flavors.

What Makes Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew So Filling

• Savor Rich, Comforting Flavors: This hearty beef stew bursts with deep, robust tastes from perfectly seared meat and a mix of classic vegetables that blend into a soul-warming dish perfect for cold days.
• Master Quick and Simple Cooking: The recipe offers flexible cooking methods using either an Instant Pot or traditional oven, making it accessible for home cooks with different kitchen equipment and skill levels.
• Enjoy Nutritious One-Pot Meal: Packed with protein-rich beef and colorful vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and corn, this stew delivers a balanced, wholesome meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in every delicious spoonful.
• Celebrate Stress-Free Meal Preparation: With straightforward steps like searing beef, creating a flavorful sauce, and letting it slow-cook until tender, this recipe minimizes cooking complexity while maximizing taste and comfort.

Ingredients for a Nourishing Beef and Veggie Stew

• Beef: Hearty protein base that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, choose chuck or stew meat with good marbling for best results.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Peas, Corn: Classic combination of root and green vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and sweetness to the stew, select fresh and firm produce.

• Water, Bouillon Cube: Creates rich liquid foundation for the stew, provides deep meat flavor and moisture.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and slight acidity to enhance overall stew flavor, provides rich color.
• Black Pepper, Thyme: Aromatic herbs and spices that complement beef's natural taste, bring warmth and complexity.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps sear meat and prevent sticking, provides initial cooking fat.
• Salt: Enhances all flavors and helps tenderize meat, crucial for balanced seasoning.
• Flour: Optional thickening agent to create more robust sauce consistency.

How to Cook Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in an Instant Pot or large pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle of salt over the cubed beef. Brown the meat by cooking and stirring frequently until all sides have a golden color.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Dissolving bouillon cube in of water
• Adding salt
• Mixing in black pepper
• Stirring in thyme
• Incorporating tomato paste

Optional: For a thicker sauce, create a slurry by mixing of flour with of water, then blend into the liquid mixture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Peas
• Corn

Pour in the prepared water mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Stew

Cooking Options:

Instant Pot: Cover and pressure cook for 1 hour

Oven: Cover and bake at 175°C (350°F) for 2 to 2.5 hours

Cook until beef becomes tender and easily falls apart with a fork.

Stew-Making Tips for Tender, Flavorful Results

• Select the Right Cut: Choose chuck roast or beef stew meat for maximum tenderness and rich flavor, as these cuts break down beautifully during slow cooking.
• Sear with Confidence: Pat beef dry before browning to ensure a deep golden crust that locks in robust meat flavors and creates delicious caramelization.
• Control Liquid Levels: Add just enough liquid to cover vegetables and meat, preventing a watery stew and maintaining rich, concentrated taste.
• Master Thickening Techniques: Create a smooth flour slurry without lumps by whisking flour and water thoroughly before adding to the stew for perfect consistency.
• Optimize Cooking Time: Allow sufficient cooking time for meat to become fork-tender, checking periodically to prevent overcooking and maintain vegetable texture.

How to Store and Reheat Beef and Vegetable Stew

• Storing Leftovers: Transfer the cooled stew into airtight containers with tight-fitting lids. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep the stew in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Option: Pour the stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and contents. Frozen beef stew can be stored for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Reheating Method: Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator. Warm the stew in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water or broth if the stew seems too thick.

Pairing Ideas for Beef and Veggie Stew

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complements the rich, hearty beef flavors, cutting through the stew's depth with its bold tannins and creating a luxurious dining experience.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or hearty rye bread to soak up the delicious stew juices, adding a satisfying crunch and helping to mop up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.
• Match with Crisp Pilsner Beer: A cold, refreshing Pilsner provides a light, hoppy contrast to the dense, meaty stew, cleansing the palate between bites and offering a smooth, easy-drinking companion to the meal.
• Complement with Tangy Green Salad: Toss a simple mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the stew's richness, adding a fresh, bright element that cuts through the hearty meat and vegetables.

Beef and Vegetable Stew Variations You’ll Love

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace thyme with a blend of rosemary, oregano, and basil for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Use red wine instead of water to enhance the depth of taste.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and smoked paprika to transform the stew into a bold, southwestern-style dish. Incorporate black beans and swap corn with roasted bell peppers for extra heat and complexity.
• Rustic Mushroom Enhancement: Mix in a variety of wild mushrooms like shiitake and porcini to introduce an earthy, rich undertone. Include pearl onions and a splash of soy sauce for an umami-packed experience that elevates the traditional beef stew.
• Root Vegetable Celebration: Substitute standard vegetables with parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes for a heartier, more robust winter-style stew. Sprinkle fresh parsley and a touch of nutmeg to brighten the overall flavor profile.

Hearty Beef And Vegetable Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew delivers comfort in a bowl with tender beef chunks nestled among robust root vegetables. Simmered slowly with rich broth and aromatic herbs, this classic dish warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 900 grams (2 pounds) boneless beef chuck roast, cubed

Vegetables:

• 2 cups potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, cut into medallions
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 0.5 cups shallot, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon no sodium bouillon cube
• 3.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 cups water (500 milliliters), plus more if not using an Instant Pot
• 2 teaspoons flour (optional, for a thicker sauce)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the beef by generously seasoning cubed meat with salt, ensuring even coverage.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Instant Pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Carefully introduce seasoned beef chunks, searing each piece until a golden-brown crust develops, rotating periodically to achieve uniform coloration.
4. Create a thickening agent by whisking flour with water, forming a smooth, lump-free slurry.
5. Dissolve bouillon cube in warm water, incorporating black pepper, thyme, and tomato paste to enhance the liquid’s flavor profile.
6. Roughly chop potatoes (/454 grams), carrots (/226 grams), and integrate them with frozen peas and corn into the meat-filled pot.
7. Pour prepared liquid mixture over the vegetables and meat, ensuring complete ingredient submersion.
8. For Instant Pot: Secure lid and cook under high pressure for 55-60 minutes. For traditional oven method: Cover pot and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours.
9. Verify meat’s tenderness by testing with a fork; meat should effortlessly pull apart when fully cooked.
10. Allow stew to rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.

Notes

• Searing beef creates a rich, deep flavor that elevates the entire stew’s taste profile.
• Browning meat locks in juices and develops a beautiful caramelized exterior for maximum deliciousness.
• Using a flour slurry helps thicken the sauce naturally without creating lumpy textures.
• Cooking under pressure or slow-roasting transforms tough beef cuts into meltingly tender, succulent meat.
• Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots absorb the savory broth, making each bite incredibly flavorful.
• Fresh herbs and spices like thyme add subtle aromatic depth to this comforting one-pot meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing, Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg