When the weather turns chilly and the leaves start to fall, I can’t help but crave a big, hearty bowl of beef stew. This best stovetop beef stew recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma of simmering beef and savory vegetables, and I just knew I had created something special. The tender chunks of beef, the colorful veggies, and that rich broth come together to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. Seriously, you’ll want to gather your loved ones around the table for this one. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last spoonful! Let’s dive in and make some magic happen on your stovetop!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, especially the veggies! It makes the cooking process so much smoother and enjoyable.
How to Prepare the Best Stovetop Beef Stew Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise, it’s simpler than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, hearty beef stew bubbling away in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking. This is crucial for getting that lovely brown crust on the beef!
- Next, add the beef chuck pieces to the pot. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if needed, do this in batches. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. This step adds so much flavor!
- Once browned, carefully remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Letting it rest a bit will keep it juicy!
- Now, it’s time for the aromatics! In that same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. You’ll love the smell!
- Then, stir in the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes. Mix everything together and let them cook for another 5 minutes. This helps develop even more flavor!
- Next, add the beef back into the pot. Don’t leave any of that delicious browned goodness behind!
- Pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste, dried thyme, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Wow, right?
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking is what transforms the beef into tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces!
- Finally, before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf. It’s just there for flavor, and we don’t want anyone biting into it!
And there you have it! Your stovetop beef stew is ready to warm you from the inside out. Just imagine it simmering away, filling your home with that delicious aroma. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, savory flavors that warm you up from the inside out.
- Simple and straightforward preparation with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week.
- Hearty and filling, making it a satisfying main dish.
- The aroma while it simmers is enough to make your mouth water!
- A great way to use up root vegetables and make them shine.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your best stovetop beef stew recipe, here are some of my go-to tips that will make a world of difference! First, don’t skip the browning step for the beef; it adds a depth of flavor that you’ll absolutely love. Also, feel free to add a splash of red wine when you pour in the broth—it really enhances the richness of the stew!
Another pro tip? Let your beef stew simmer gently. If it’s bubbling too hard, turn down the heat. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become incredibly tender. And remember, herbs really shine when added towards the end; so if you have some fresh thyme or parsley, toss it in just before serving for a burst of freshness. Trust me, your stew will thank you!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my best stovetop beef stew recipe. Each cup contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoying this hearty dish is not only satisfying but also provides a good balance of protein and nutrients!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! While I love beef chuck for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or round. Just remember that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
How do I thicken my beef stew? If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it in during the last 20 minutes of simmering. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes right in the pot for a natural thickening effect!
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to toss in some peas, green beans, or even mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them from getting mushy.
What should I serve with beef stew? A crusty piece of bread for dipping is a classic choice! You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Can I make this stew in advance? Yes! In fact, letting it sit overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious best stovetop beef stew recipe is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, it also freezes beautifully! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it should last for about 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of beef broth if it looks a little thick after being in the fridge or freezer. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my best stovetop beef stew recipe, the right sides can truly elevate the experience! I love serving it with a big, crusty piece of bread—perfect for soaking up that rich, flavorful broth. You can’t go wrong with a simple side salad, either; a fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette adds a nice contrast to the hearty stew.
If you’re feeling fancy, try pairing it with a glass of red wine, like a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the savory flavors. And for a little extra crunch, some roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans on the side are just divine!
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Best Stovetop Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights Ahead
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful stovetop beef stew recipe that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 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.
- Stir in carrots and potatoes.
- Add beef back to the pot.
- Pour in beef broth and add tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine.
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: best stovetop beef stew recipe
