Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes

Name: Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 carrots, sliced; 4 potatoes, cubed; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Warm up your kitchen with this hearty Beef Stew featuring tender chunks of beef, vibrant carrots, and creamy potatoes. Slow-cooked to perfection, this comforting dish is bursting with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your family and friends. Serve it over crusty bread or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Created by

Daisy Webb

Last updated on 2025-12-09T12:54:39.037Z

This beef stew is perfect for chilly evenings, providing warmth and satisfaction with every bite. It's an excellent way to use lean cuts of beef and seasonal vegetables.

The Perfect Cold Weather Meal

As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of beef stew to bring warmth and comfort to your evening. This rich and flavorful dish not only nourishes the body but also delights the palate. It's the kind of meal that wraps you in a cozy embrace, making it perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in. The combination of tender beef and hearty vegetables creates a balance that is both satisfying and soul-soothing.

Using a combination of fresh ingredients, this beef stew offers an array of flavors that meld beautifully as it cooks. The slow-cooking process allows the beef to absorb the rich broth, while the vegetables release their natural sweetness, enhancing the stew's overall richness. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of taste and texture, making it not just a meal but an experience to savor and share with loved ones.

Nutritional Benefits

Beyond its deliciousness, this beef stew is packed with nutrients that benefit your health. Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Coupled with carrots and potatoes, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, this dish not only satisfies hunger but also contributes to a well-rounded diet. Vitamin A from carrots promotes eye health, while the fiber in potatoes aids digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

Furthermore, the slow cooking method preserves the nutrients in the ingredients, ensuring you get the maximum benefit from each bite. Instead of quick meals that often lack nutrition, this beef stew offers a wholesome option that can be enjoyed guilt-free. It's a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while still treating yourself to something indulgent.

Customizing Your Stew

One of the best aspects of making beef stew is its versatility. While the classic recipe is delightful as is, there are numerous ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences or incorporate seasonal ingredients. You can add in other vegetables such as peas or green beans or even toss in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Herbs can also play a significant role; try adding rosemary or bay leaves for an aromatic boost.

Additionally, you can experiment with the broth. For a richer flavor, try using homemade beef broth or a combination of beef and vegetable broth. If you like a touch of heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to your stew. The beauty of beef stew lies in its adaptability, allowing you to curate a dish that reflects your culinary style while delighting your dinner guests.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 carrots, sliced
4 potatoes, cubed
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Make sure to choose fresh vegetables for the best flavor!

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

Add the onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened.

Combine Ingredients

Return the beef to the pot, add carrots, potatoes, broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well.

Simmer the Stew

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Serve

Check seasoning and adjust as needed before serving. Enjoy your delicious beef stew!

For an extra touch, serve with crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your beef stew experience, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth, adding another layer of enjoyment to the meal. If you're looking for a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette, which will balance the hearty stew beautifully and refresh your palate.

Grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top of the stew can add a delightful creaminess that complements the flavors perfectly. Add fresh herbs as a garnish to enhance the dish's visual appeal and impart a burst of freshness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover stew, you're in for a treat! Beef stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew. Just make sure it has cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to three months.

When reheating, you have the option to do it on the stovetop or in the microwave. On the stovetop, gently heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. In the microwave, cover the container loosely and heat in intervals, stirring in between, until it's hot. If the stew appears too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Pairing Beverages

Finding the right beverage to pair with your beef stew can enhance the meal's overall satisfaction. Consider a hearty red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which complements the rich flavors of the dish beautifully. The tannins in the wine cut through the richness of the stew while enhancing its depth.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try a flavored sparkling water or a robust herbal tea, which can cleanse the palate between bites. A rich apple cider can also be a delightful choice, especially in colder months, harmonizing with the warm and comforting nature of the stew.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.