There’s just something so comforting about a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, isn’t there? My favorite go-to is this easy homemade beef stew. It’s one of those dishes that fills the house with the most amazing aroma, drawing everyone to the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it; my family couldn’t resist sneaking bites while it simmered away. It’s simple to whip up, and the best part? It brings everyone together! Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this stew is a cozy hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Easy Homemade Beef Stew
Getting started on your easy homemade beef stew is a breeze! The beauty of this dish is how it all comes together so effortlessly. Follow my steps below, and you’ll have a delicious stew simmering away in no time. Let’s dive into the magic of beef stew!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking.
- Next, toss in the 2 lbs of beef chuck cubes. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it develops that deep, rich flavor!
- Once the beef is browned, stir in 1 chopped onion and 3 minced cloves of garlic. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. Oh, the aroma will be so inviting!
- Now, add in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, stirring it into the beef mixture. This will add an incredible depth of flavor.
- Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and toss in 1 bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle boil, and don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot to get all those tasty bits!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. Just let it do its thing while you relax—maybe put your feet up!
- After an hour, it’s time to add your veggies! Toss in the 4 sliced carrots and 3 diced potatoes. Stir them in and continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Before serving, season your stew with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous but taste as you go! Finally, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf—it’s not meant to be eaten.
And there you have it! Your hearty, flavorful beef stew is ready to warm your belly and your heart. Serve it up with some crusty bread, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this easy homemade beef stew. Each cup contains about 350 calories, with 15 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also get 4 grams of fiber and 600 mg of sodium. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy the hearty goodness while keeping your health in mind!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Hearty, comforting flavors that warm you up from the inside out.
- Perfect for busy weeknights—prep takes just 20 minutes!
- Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal for the whole family.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so you can enjoy it again!
- Customize it with your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to make your easy homemade beef stew truly shine! First, when browning the meat, make sure not to overcrowd the pot—this helps achieve that beautiful caramelization and deep flavor. If you need to, brown the beef in batches. Also, don’t skimp on seasoning; a good pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavors as you go. If you’re short on time, you can even make this stew in a slow cooker—just follow the same steps and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. And remember, letting the stew rest for a bit before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your easy homemade beef stew, I love pairing it with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up all that rich, flavorful broth! A simple side salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette also complements the stew beautifully, adding a nice crunch. You could even serve it over fluffy rice or mashed potatoes for an extra cozy meal. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy homemade beef stew is super simple! Just let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion. When it’s time to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. This way, you’ll keep all those delicious flavors intact!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! While beef chuck is my favorite for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or round. Just make sure it’s suitable for slow cooking.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Yes! Simply brown the meat as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, flavorful results.
What can I add for extra flavor? Consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can also brighten the dish.
How do I thicken the stew? If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, your easy homemade beef stew freezes beautifully! Just portion it out in airtight containers and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Print
Easy Homemade Beef Stew: 7 Steps to Cozy Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and hearty beef stew made at home.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.
- Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add carrots and potatoes, cooking until tender, about 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread.
- You can add more vegetables as desired.
- This stew can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy homemade beef stew