Warm, Comforting, and Full of Flavor
Kitchies! Few things in life are as satisfying as a steaming bowl of Vegetable Beef Stew. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for those chilly evenings or when you’re craving a soul-warming meal that feeds both your body and spirit.
The secret to a good beef stew lies in the slow cooking, which transforms simple ingredients into a pot of magic. Carrots, potatoes, and celery soak up the beefy goodness, creating a medley of flavors that’s irresistibly comforting. It’s a one-pot wonder, easy to prepare and even easier to love.
Whether you’re gathering the family around the dinner table or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a classic you’ll keep coming back to. Let’s dig into the details of making this timeless favorite!
Recipe Highlights
- Rich and hearty:Â A filling stew perfect for cold nights.
- Loaded with veggies:Â Packed with nutrients from fresh ingredients.
- Versatile:Â Great as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread.
Family Favorite
One snowy evening, I decided to make this stew for the first time, and it instantly became a staple in our home. My kids loved dunking their bread in the thick, flavorful broth, and my husband couldn’t stop raving about the perfectly tender beef. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together, reminding us of the joy in simple, homemade food.
Why This Vegetable Beef Stew?
- Slow-cooked beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- A wholesome mix of vegetables adds texture and nutrition.
- Comforting and satisfying, it’s the definition of a cozy meal.
Cuisine: American
Tips for Perfect Stew
- Sear the beef well:Â Browning the meat adds depth to the flavor.
- Use a heavy pot:Â A Dutch oven retains heat well for even cooking.
- Low and slow:Â Patience is key for tender meat and well-blended flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add more veggies:Â Try parsnips, turnips, or green beans for variety.
- Gluten-Free Option:Â Skip the flour or use gluten-free flour to coat the beef.
- Spice it up:Â Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use lean beef or substitute with turkey or chicken.
- Reduce the sodium by using low-sodium broth.
- Swap potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a low-carb option.
Closing
And there you have it—comfort in a bowl with this Vegetable Beef Stew. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any season, though it feels especially magical during colder months. Let us know how your stew turns out, and don’t forget to try some of our other delicious one-pot meals!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. This stew freezes well for up to 3 months.
3. What can I use instead of red wine?
Replace it with additional beef broth or grape juice for a similar depth of flavor.
4. How do I thicken the stew?
If the stew is too thin, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth.
6. What’s the best side dish for this stew?
Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad pair perfectly.
Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
Few things in life are as satisfying as a steaming bowl of Vegetable Beef Stew. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth.Â
Ingredients
- 1 Pound beef stew meat
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 Clove garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 Stalk celery, sliced
- 6 Cups beef broth
- 1 Can diced tomatoes, 14½ Ounce Can, petite, not drained
- ½ green pepper, diced
- ⅔ Cup pearl barley
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Package gravy mix, beef, powder
- 1Â bay leaf
- 3 or 4 Sprigs fresh thyme
- fresh parsley and thyme, for garnish, optional
Instructions
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Add the beef stew meat, diced onion, minced garlic, and olive oil to a large skillet. Cook over a medium-high heat until the stew meat is just browned.
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Transfer the stew meat mixture to a large soup pot. Then add the sliced carrots, sliced celery, beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, diced green pepper, pearl barley, Worcestershire sauce, beef gravy mix, bay leaf, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the pot.
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Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low heat. Allow the stew to simmer for 45 minutes.
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Remove the bay leaf and thyme from the pot once finished simmering. Serve with freshly chopped thyme and parsley.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 186
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Protein: 17g