Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes
Introduction
Welcome, fellow kitchen adventurers!
There’s something incredibly comforting about a big pot of beef stew simmering on the stove, isn’t there? It’s almost like a warm hug on a cold day. I remember the first time I tried making beef stew. I envisioned a cozy night, a perfectly thick and hearty stew, and, well, let’s just say it didn’t quite turn out as planned. But practice makes perfect, and who doesn’t love a good excuse to get messy in the kitchen?
Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for a classic beef stew that’s sure to bring the family together around the table. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Beef Stew Meat
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Onion
1 onion, chopped
Garlic
3 cloves garlic, minced
Beef Broth
4 cups beef broth
Water
1 cup water
Carrots
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
Potatoes
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
Celery
2 celery stalks, sliced
Worcestershire Sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Bay Leaf
1 bay leaf
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cold Water
2 tablespoons cold water
Prep Time
About 15-20 minutes!
You know how it is—chopping onions can really get those tears flowing. Just remember to take a moment to breathe and maybe even listen to your favorite playlist while you prep.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Total time: 2 hours
Yield: Serves about 6-8 people
After all that chopping and browning, your kitchen is probably smelling heavenly! Whether you’re cooking for a small gathering or just for yourself (hey, leftovers are a win!), this stew is sure to make you feel warm inside.
Now, while things are simmering away, don’t be afraid to take a little break. Maybe pour yourself a glass of wine or put your feet up for a minute. Sometimes the best part of cooking is just enjoying the process.
Remember, if things don’t go exactly as planned, that’s totally okay. Even the best chefs have their off days! What matters most is that you’re feeding yourself or your loved ones with something made from the heart. Happy cooking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully add the beef stew meat, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once nicely browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want the garlic to burn!
Step 3: Building the Base
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil—it should smell amazing already!
Step 4: Simmering the Beef
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This low and slow cooking will make the beef tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Adding the Vegetables
After an hour, it’s time to add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and sliced celery. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Thickening the Stew
In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew to thicken the broth. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Final Adjustments
Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken to your desired consistency.
Step 8: Serving
Finally, remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Cooking Time Variation
Cooking times can vary based on the size of your beef cubes and the type of vegetables used. Always taste as you go to achieve the perfect tenderness.
Storage
If you have leftovers (if there’s any way!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This stew actually tastes even better the next day!
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Turnips, peas, or even green beans can be great additions.
Thickening Alternatives
If you prefer not to use flour, you can also use cornstarch mixed with cold water for thickening the stew. Just remember to mix it in at the end as well!
Serving Suggestions
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Cook techniques
Browning the Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Patience here is your friend—don’t rush tossing the beef in. You want those cubes to get a nice crust, that golden-brown color that means flavor is locking in. I’ve definitely burnt a batch before by crowding the pot, so brown in batches if needed. It’s worth the extra effort.
Sautéing Aromatics
Once the beef is out, into the pot goes the onion and garlic. This part smells like the best start to dinner ever. Stir gently and watch them soften, getting just a little golden on the edges. I’ve ruined a stew by burning garlic here—try to keep the heat just right and don’t wander off.
Simmering Low and Slow
After adding broth, herbs, and the rest, it’s all about low and slow. This means gentle simmer, covered, for about an hour so that beef gets fall-apart tender. I’ve learned to resist the urge to crank the heat up—hurting the stew’s tenderness is a real “oops” moment in my kitchen.
Adding Vegetables Later
Carrots, potatoes, and celery join the party after the beef has relaxed. This timing keeps veggies from turning to mush. I once tossed everything in at once out of laziness, and ended up with a weirdly colored mush that wasn’t fun to eat.
Thickening the Stew
The flour slurry is the secret glue here. Mixing flour with cold water before stirring in prevents clumps. If you skip this step or add flour dry, your stew might look lumpy. Patience pays off; stir well and let it bubble a bit until your stew is nice and thick.
FAQ
Can I use a slow cooker for this stew?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onion and garlic like we talked about, then toss everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender. Just add the flour slurry and veggies in the last hour to avoid mushiness.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
No worries! It adds a tangy depth but isn’t deal-breaking. Substitute with a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar if you have it. Or just skip it—you’ll still end up with a comforting stew.
How do I prevent my stew from being too watery?
That flour and cold water mix is your thickening superhero. Also, simmer uncovered a bit at the end to evaporate extra liquid if it feels too thin. Resist adding flour too early, or you’ll get clumpy or gluey stew—not the vibe.
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Definitely! Chuck roast or brisket works great too. Just cut into same-size cubes so everything cooks evenly. Tougher cuts need that slow simmer love to get tender and delicious.
Is there a vegan version?
While this recipe is beef-based, you can swap the meat for hearty mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth. Sauté the veggies, simmer longer until tender, and thicken as usual. It’s not quite the same but still cozy and soul-warming.
—
Honestly, stewing beef can feel intimidating at first — uneven browning or forgetting the slurry once almost made me swear off stew. But every time I nail it, those little moments of gooey carrot, tender beef, and thick broth make the messy kitchen and standing-at-the-stove-time totally worth it. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, imperfectness and all!
Conclusion
There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty beef stew. This recipe captures the essence of a cozy home, filled with the delicious aroma of simmering beef and vegetables that warms your heart as much as your belly. As the stewing meat tenderizes and the vegetables soften, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia—remembering family gatherings and laughter shared around the dinner table. It’s an invitation to slow down and savor the moment, reminding us of the joys of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. So grab a bowl, dive in, and let each spoonful wrap you in warmth. Your taste buds, and perhaps your family, will thank you for it!
Vegetable Beef Soup
For a slightly lighter option, why not try a vegetable beef soup? Simply follow the same base recipe, but instead of thickening with flour, skip that step and add more vegetables like green beans, peas, or even corn. You’ll have a deliciously brothy soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening!
Beef and Mushroom Stew
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, substitute half the beef with diced mushrooms for an earthy twist. Their flavor melds beautifully with the beef and adds a lovely depth to the stew. Plus, you’ll get that rich, umami taste that makes it feel extra special!
Spicy Beef Stew
Feeling a bit adventurous? Spice things up by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce! This gives the stew a delightful kick and can balance the richness of the beef perfectly. Just be sure to adjust your seasoning accordingly!
Herb-Infused Beef Stew
Consider incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley. Adding these just before serving elevates the stew’s flavor profile with a burst of freshness. Plus, they look beautiful sprinkled on top—nothing quite says ‘homemade’ like the vibrant green of fresh herbs against that rich brown stew.
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Short on time? Use your Instant Pot! Follow the same ingredients but cook everything on high pressure for about 35 minutes. The result is tender beef and perfectly cooked veggies, all in a fraction of the time. Just remember to give it a quick release and enjoy the savory scents that fill your kitchen!
Beef Stew with Dumplings
For a comforting twist, serve your stew with homemade dumplings on top! Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to create a fluffy dough, drop spoonfuls onto the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking, and let them steam to perfection. You’ll have a meal that feels indulgent and soul-soothing, which is just what you need after a long day.
