Beef Stew With Carrots and Potatoes
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy a hearty Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes, perfect for cozy dinners.
This Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes brings warmth and comfort to your table. A perfect blend of tender beef, vibrant carrots, and hearty potatoes makes it a must-try!
Why You'll Love This Beef Stew
- Rich, savory flavors that warm the soul
- Tender beef that falls apart with a fork
- Hearty vegetables that add color and nutrition
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
The Comfort of Home-Cooked Meals
There's something uniquely comforting about a home-cooked meal, especially on a chilly evening. This Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes is not just a dish; it's an experience that brings warmth to your kitchen and heart. The rich aroma that fills your home while it simmers is an invitation to gather around the table, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
This stew encapsulates the essence of comfort food, offering a satisfying combination of tender beef and hearty vegetables. Each bite is a reminder of simpler times, evoking cherished memories of family gatherings and shared stories. It's a dish that transcends generations, and it's sure to become a staple in your home.
Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients
Not only is this beef stew delicious, but it also packs a nutritional punch. The carrots provide a good source of beta-carotene, which is vital for eye health, while the potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C. Together, these ingredients create a balanced meal that nourishes both body and soul.
The lean beef chuck is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Coupled with fiber-rich vegetables, this stew offers a wholesome and fulfilling meal that can support your dietary needs. You can feel good about serving this dish to your family, knowing it’s both tasty and nutritious.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best aspects of this beef stew is its versatility when it comes to meal prep. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator, allowing you to prepare a large batch that can last throughout the week. Simply reheat portions as needed for a quick and satisfying meal, making it an excellent choice for busy schedules.
Additionally, this stew freezes well, so you can make a big pot and save some for later. This means you'll always have a hearty meal on hand for those days when cooking feels like a chore. Just thaw, heat, and enjoy the comforting flavors without the hassle of starting from scratch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gather all the ingredients for a delicious beef stew!
Instructions
Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Combine Ingredients
Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the beef broth.
Add Vegetables
Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
Simmer
Let the stew simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally and add more broth if necessary.
Serve
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your hearty beef stew warm with crusty bread!
Follow these steps for a perfect beef stew!
Tips for the Best Beef Stew
For the most tender beef, choose a good quality chuck roast and allow it to brown thoroughly. This step not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the stew's rich color. Don’t rush this process; giving the beef a good sear will elevate your stew significantly.
Consider adding a splash of red wine for an extra depth of flavor. The acidity from the wine helps to tenderize the meat and adds a wonderful complexity to the overall taste. Just remember to let the alcohol cook off before adding your broth.
Serving Suggestions
This beef stew is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with crusty bread or warm rolls. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth, adding another layer of satisfaction to the dining experience.
For a complete meal, consider a fresh side salad or steamed green vegetables. This will not only enhance the nutrition of your meal but also add a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use brisket or round, but chuck is preferred for its tenderness.
→ Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
→ What can I serve with beef stew?
It's delightful on its own or served with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
→ Can I freeze leftover beef stew?
Yes, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Beef Stew With Carrots and Potatoes
Enjoy a hearty Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes, perfect for cozy dinners.
Created by: Lillian Hayes
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the beef broth.
Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
Let the stew simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally and add more broth if necessary.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your hearty beef stew warm with crusty bread!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g