Description

Hearty Stove Top Beef Stew is a comforting and satisfying meal made with tender beef chunks, fresh vegetables, and rich, savory flavors. Ready in under an hour on the stovetop, it combines beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, and aromatic herbs in a luscious broth, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This easy-to-make stew brings warmth and depth to your table with flexible ingredient options and a thick, comforting consistency.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into even cubes

Vegetables

2 medium carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Broths

4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste

Herbs & Seasonings

2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Thickening Agents

2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Fats

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

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Instructions

Prepare and Brown the Beef: Cut your beef chuck into even cubes and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat in a large pot. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring all sides develop a rich golden crust. This step locks in deep flavors essential for the stew.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions, garlic, and celery. Cook over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. These aromatics create the flavorful base for your stew.
Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste: Stir in diced carrots, potatoes, and a spoonful of tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors and enhance the stew’s savory depth and vibrant color.
Pour in Broth and Herbs: Carefully add the beef broth, then add fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits, which add tremendous flavor. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Simmer Until Tender: Let the stew cook gently on medium-low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Thicken and Season: Mix the flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering stew to achieve your desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove herb stems before serving.

Notes

Pat Dry the Beef: A dry surface helps achieve a caramelized crust during browning.
Don’t Rush Browning: Brown beef in batches to prevent steaming and ensure proper searing.
Use Fresh Herbs: Thyme, bay leaves, and parsley provide fresher, more vibrant flavors compared to dried herbs.
Stir Occasionally: Prevent sticking but avoid over-stirring to keep vegetables intact.
Adjust Thickness Last: Add thickening agents at the end to control consistency perfectly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg