There’s just something about a bubbling pot of beef stew that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, isn’t there? The rich aroma of tender beef mingling with hearty vegetables is pure comfort food, and I can’t help but feel a little giddy every time I make it. This best stovetop beef stew recipe is my go-to for cozy nights in and gatherings with friends. It’s packed with flavor and so satisfying—perfect for those moments when you want something hearty and delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First, grab a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want that oil hot and shimmering—perfect for browning the beef!
- Once the oil’s ready, add in the beef cubes. Make sure to brown them on all sides, which should take about 5–7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing that deep flavor, so don’t rush it! When they’re beautifully browned, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
- Now, in that same pot (don’t you dare wash it yet!), throw in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they’re nice and soft. The smell is just heavenly!
- Next, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the mix. Cook these together for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to start getting tender but not mushy.
- Time to bring the beef back into the party! Return the browned beef to the pot, and then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Now, sprinkle in the dried thyme, toss in the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where all those flavors meld together and the beef gets super tender. Just let it do its thing while you sip on a cozy drink!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty Flavor: Each spoonful is bursting with rich, savory goodness that warms you from the inside out.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal without the fuss.
- Perfect for Cold Days: This stew is like a cozy blanket in a bowl—ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Make Ahead: It tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
- Family Favorite: Everyone loves a good beef stew, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings.
Tips for Success
To really elevate your best stovetop beef stew recipe, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skip the browning step—this is where the flavor magic happens, so take your time! If you want an even richer taste, try adding a splash of red wine after sautéing the onions and garlic. Also, use a mix of different potatoes for varied texture—Yukon Gold and Russet work wonderfully together. And remember, low and slow is the name of the game; let your stew simmer gently for the full time to achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Variations
One of the best things about this best stovetop beef stew recipe is how easy it is to customize! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not switch up the vegetables? Adding mushrooms, green beans, or even peas can bring a whole new level of flavor and texture. For a kick of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika. You can also experiment with herbs—rosemary or parsley can add a fresh twist. And if you like a thicker stew, a tablespoon of tomato paste or a sprinkle of flour can help create that luscious consistency. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious beef stew is super simple! Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat. This gentle method helps to maintain all those amazing flavors and prevents the beef from getting tough. Just stir occasionally and let it warm through for about 10–15 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it!
Nutritional Information Section
Curious about the nutritional goodness packed in this best stovetop beef stew recipe? Here’s a general breakdown for a serving size of 1 cup. You can expect around 350 calories, with 15 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat. It also provides about 25 grams of protein, which is fantastic for a hearty meal! You’ll find approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber, making it a well-balanced dish. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so they might vary slightly based on specific ingredients and portions. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with something wholesome!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! While beef chuck is my favorite for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or round. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you choose a leaner cut.
What can I serve with beef stew? Crusty bread is a classic choice for soaking up all that delicious gravy! You might also enjoy it with a fresh salad or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This best stovetop beef stew recipe is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
How can I thicken my stew? If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mashing a few of the potatoes can also help thicken it naturally!
Is it freezer-friendly? Yes, it is! Just let the stew cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Imprimer
Best Stovetop Beef Stew Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Food
- Temps Total: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A hearty and flavorful stovetop beef stew recipe.
Ingrédients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and brown on all sides.
- Remove beef and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot, sauté until soft.
- Add carrots and potatoes, cooking for a few more minutes.
- Return beef to the pot.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir in thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: best stovetop beef stew recipe
