Hearty Beef Stew with Carrots

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty beef stew with tender chunks of meat, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. This classic beef stew recipe, featuring carrots, potatoes, and a mix of herbs and spices, is the ultimate meal for warming up on a cold day. The beef stew meat is simmered in a rich broth until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the vegetables soak up all the flavors, making every spoonful deliciously satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping for a cozy weekend meal, this stew is guaranteed to hit the spot.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a filling and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of carrots, potatoes, and tender beef, along with the aromatic seasoning, creates a stew that is as flavorful as it is hearty. This stew also holds up well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Whether enjoyed fresh or as a comforting leftover, this stew will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Flavorful

The combination of beef, carrots, potatoes, and aromatic seasonings creates a deeply flavorful stew without complicated ingredients or techniques.

2. Perfectly Tender Beef

Slow simmering the beef stew meat ensures that it becomes incredibly tender, almost melting in your mouth with every bite.

3. Filling and Hearty

With the rich broth, tender beef, and plenty of vegetables, this stew is incredibly filling and satisfying, making it a complete meal in a bowl.

4. Easy to Prepare

This recipe is simple to make with minimal prep work. You’ll have a comforting, homemade meal on the table in just a few hours.

5. Ideal for Leftovers

Beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. This dish is perfect for making ahead and enjoying over multiple meals.

Ingredients

• Beef stew meat, cubed
• Onion
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Variations

1. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick of spice.
3. Herb Variation: You can experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, bay leaves, or oregano to customize the flavor of the stew.
4. Wine Infusion: For a deeper flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine before adding the broth.
5. Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, if necessary, and brown on all sides. This step adds great flavor to the meat and the stew.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions become translucent.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Broth

Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the stew is ready, serve it hot in bowls. Enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of this delicious beef stew.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Brown the Meat Well: Take the time to brown the beef on all sides. This step adds depth and richness to the flavor of the stew.
2. Simmer Low and Slow: For the best results, simmer the stew on low heat for at least 1 hour. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will be.
3. Use a Heavy Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for this stew because it ensures even cooking and prevents the stew from burning.
4. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding more salt, pepper, or thyme can elevate the flavor.
5. Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mash a few of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the liquid.

How to Serve

Hearty beef stew is best served hot and can be enjoyed on its own or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. It also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed green vegetables for a complete meal. If you’re serving it for a special occasion, consider garnishing with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Beef stew freezes well. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Add a little water or broth if the stew has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the stew in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.

2. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, green beans, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

3. How do I make the stew more flavorful?

Adjusting the seasonings with additional thyme, bay leaves, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the depth of flavor.

4. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs or breasts for the beef for a lighter version of this stew, but the cooking time may be shorter.

5. Can I use a pressure cooker for this recipe?

Yes, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time. Cook the stew on high pressure for about 30 minutes and allow it to naturally release pressure.

6. How can I thicken the broth?

To thicken the broth, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or use a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stirring it into the stew.

7. Can I make this stew in advance?

Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make it ahead of time and refrigerate for later.

8. What can I serve with beef stew?

Beef stew pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

10. Can I add wine to the stew?

Yes, adding a splash of red wine to the stew can deepen its flavor. Just deglaze the pot with wine after browning the beef and before adding the broth.

Conclusion

Hearty beef stew with carrots is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special holiday meal. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying, flavorful stew that everyone will love. Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this classic dish, and savor every bite.

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