Beef Stew With Baby Potatoes and Carrots
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A hearty and comforting beef stew featuring tender chunks of meat, baby potatoes, and vibrant carrots, perfect for a cozy dinner.
This beef stew is a family favorite, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. The combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and fresh vegetables creates a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, savory flavor that warms the soul
- Tender beef that practically melts in your mouth
- Nutritious baby potatoes and carrots for a balanced meal
The Perfect Comfort Food
When the temperature drops, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of beef stew to warm you from the inside out. This dish combines tender chunks of beef with hearty baby potatoes and colorful carrots, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and nostalgia, reminding us of family gatherings and cozy evenings.
The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the rich, savory flavors of the broth and spices. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Plus, with the addition of nutritious vegetables, this stew is a well-rounded meal that satisfies your hunger and nourishes your body.
A Versatile Dish
One of the best things about beef stew is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to swap in different vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms to add variety. You can also use different cuts of beef, such as brisket or round, to achieve your desired flavor and texture.
Additionally, beef stew can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. The flavors only get better as it sits, making it a delicious choice for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have time to cook.
Tips for Success
To ensure your beef stew turns out perfectly, be sure to brown the beef well before adding it to the pot. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. Don’t rush this process; allow the beef to sear properly to lock in its juices and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Another tip is to let the stew simmer gently. Cooking it low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become fork-tender. If you find the stew is too thick, you can always add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to select fresh vegetables for the best flavor!
Instructions
Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Combine Ingredients
Add the browned beef back into the pot, along with the baby potatoes, carrots, thyme, and rosemary. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
Simmer the Stew
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
Serve and Enjoy
Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
This stew can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Beef stew is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For a classic experience, serve it with a side of crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. Alternatively, you can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
If you're looking to lighten things up, consider pairing the stew with a fresh green salad. The crispness of the salad balances the richness of the stew, making for a well-rounded dinner. Don’t forget to garnish your stew with fresh herbs like parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover beef stew stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep it fresh, make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want to extend its shelf life, beef stew can also be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
When you're ready to enjoy your stew again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much during storage. This makes for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute beef with lamb or chicken, but cooking times may vary.
→ How can I thicken the stew?
You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans based on your preference.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Beef Stew With Baby Potatoes and Carrots
A hearty and comforting beef stew featuring tender chunks of meat, baby potatoes, and vibrant carrots, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Created by: Sloane Patterson
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 cubes
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Add the browned beef back into the pot, along with the baby potatoes, carrots, thyme, and rosemary. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld.
Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 35g