Easy Homemade Beef Stew

Description

This Easy Homemade Beef Stew is a cozy, hearty one-pot meal made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a rich, savory broth. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner.

 Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total: About 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

 Ingredients

• 2 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp flour
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the beef: Pat the beef dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables: Add onion and carrots to the same pot. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and flour. Cook for about 1 minute.
5. Build the stew: Slowly pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Add beef and seasonings: Return the beef to the pot. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce.
7. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for about 60 minutes.
8. Add potatoes: Stir in the potatoes and continue cooking for another 25–30 minutes, until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
9. Add peas: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
10. Finish: Remove the bay leaves, taste, and adjust the salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley.

 Healthy Benefits

• Beef provides protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
• Carrots and peas add fiber and vegetables.
• Potatoes provide potassium and carbohydrates for energy.
• Homemade stew lets you control the amount of salt and added fat.

 Pro Tip

For the most tender beef, don’t rush the simmering process. Browning the beef well before adding the broth also gives the stew a much deeper flavor.

 Frequency

Enjoy as a hearty dinner once or twice a week, paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

 Q&A

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Chuck roast cut into cubes works especially well because it becomes tender during slow cooking.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then transfer everything except the peas to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or until tender. Add peas near the end.

How do I thicken the stew?
The flour helps thicken the broth. For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the final 10–15 minutes.

Can I freeze beef stew?
Yes. Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to about 3 months.

 Serve

Serve hot with:

• Crusty bread
• Dinner rolls
• Green salad
• Steamed green beans
• Fresh parsley on top

 Variations

• Mushroom Beef Stew: Add sliced mushrooms with the onions.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
• Low-carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or extra mushrooms.
• Herby: Add fresh rosemary and thyme.
• Extra vegetable: Add celery, peas, or green beans.

 Related Recipe Ideas

• Classic American Pot Roast
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew
• Beef & Vegetable Soup
• Garlic Herb Beef Roast
• Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole

 Final Thought

A bowl of homemade beef stew is simple, filling, and full of comforting flavor. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich gravy make this an easy family favorite.