Warm up with this Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew—a rich, slow-cooked dish packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth. Perfect for chilly days!

Beef and Vegetable Stew is the epitome of comfort food. With melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef, hearty root vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Pair it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional, for richer flavor)
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 cup frozen peas
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

Brown the Beef:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Deglaze the Pot:
Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Simmer the Stew:
Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 1.5–2 hours, until the beef is tender.
Add Vegetables:
Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk 2 tbsp of flour with 1/4 cup cold water and stir it into the pot. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the stew thickens.
Finish with Peas:
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve:
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

This Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew is the perfect dish for chilly evenings, combining tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth. Slow-cooked and satisfying, it’s a classic comfort food your family will love.