There’s just something magical about a homemade beef stew bubbling away on the stovetop, filling your kitchen with the most comforting aromas. This best stovetop beef stew recipe is a big hug in a bowl, packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors that come together effortlessly. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare—just a little chopping and browning, and you’re on your way to a meal that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that gets even better after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners. Trust me, once you try this stew, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Best Stovetop Beef Stew Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into the heart of this delicious beef stew! I promise you, once you get the hang of it, this will be a comforting classic you’ll turn to time and again. Just follow these simple steps, and we’ll have your kitchen smelling like a cozy diner in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First things first, grab that large pot and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot—almost shimmering! Now, toss in the beef cubes, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown them on all sides; this is crucial for building flavor! Don’t rush this step; it should take about 5-7 minutes. When they’re beautifully browned, remove the beef and set it aside. You’ll thank me later for this extra layer of flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Now, in the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes until it’s nice and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This is where the magic begins! Once the onion is ready, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute—trust me, you don’t want it to burn. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! Return the browned beef to the pot and add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Then, stir in the tomato paste, which adds richness and depth. Now, pour in that wonderful beef broth, along with the Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Stir everything well to combine. It’s looking good, right?
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Bring this beautiful mixture to a boil—just a gentle one, please! Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot and walk away for 1.5 to 2 hours. Yes, I know it’s hard to wait, but this is where the magic happens! The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef will become. Just let it do its thing!
Step 5: Seasoning and Serving
Once your stew is ready, give it a taste. This is the moment to season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve it up hot, and if you really want to treat yourself, pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. You’ll want to savor every last drop of that flavorful broth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can get this hearty stew on the stovetop and let it work its magic while you relax.
- Hearty Flavors: The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth creates a robust flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Comfort Food: There’s nothing like a warm bowl of stew to wrap you in a cozy hug, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort.
- Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep or leftovers.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or herbs; it’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes creativity!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a warm, hearty stew, making it a perfect dish for family dinners.
Tips for Success
To make sure your stovetop beef stew turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some pro tips that I swear by! These little tricks can elevate your stew and help you achieve that comforting depth of flavor.
- Sear in Batches: If you have a lot of beef, don’t cram it all into the pot at once. Searing the beef in batches allows each piece to get that beautiful brown crust, which means more flavor in the final dish. Trust me, it’s worth the extra time!
- Let It Sit: If you can resist the urge to dig in right away, let the stew sit for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge. The flavors meld together beautifully, and it makes the stew taste even more incredible when you reheat it!
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! Taste your stew towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a little extra pinch can elevate the dish to the next level.
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you have any fresh herbs on hand, like parsley or thyme, sprinkle them on top just before serving. It adds a lovely freshness that complements the hearty flavors.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add any vegetables you love! Peas, green beans, or even corn can make a delightful addition, so get creative and make it your own!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious stovetop beef stew ever. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! Knowing what’s in your food can really help you appreciate the meal you’ve just created. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values for a serving of this best stovetop beef stew recipe. Keep in mind that these are based on typical ingredients and can vary depending on specific brands or modifications you make.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This hearty stew is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal that warms you up from the inside out!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is my go-to for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use cuts like brisket or round. Just keep in mind that different cuts can affect the texture and richness of your stew. Brisket can give a nice, smoky flavor, while round is leaner but may need a little extra time to become tender. Just make sure whatever cut you choose has some marbling for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the stew cool down a bit and transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it even longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to portion it out before freezing, so you can thaw only what you need. I recommend using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Just remember to label them with the date—trust me, it helps!
Can I make this stew in advance?
You bet! In fact, I often make my stovetop beef stew a day ahead. The flavors really develop and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of broth to loosen it up, but it’ll be just as comforting and flavorful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious beef stew leftovers? Lucky you! Storing and reheating this hearty dish is super easy, and I want to make sure it stays just as tasty as when you first made it.
First off, let the stew cool down to room temperature before you store it. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which can make your stew watery. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to enjoy it within that time frame for the best flavor!
If you want to keep it longer, you can absolutely freeze your stew! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and be sure to label them with the date. Your stew will freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it in the microwave for a quicker option.
Now, for reheating, I recommend using the stovetop if you can. Just pour your stew into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. It’ll take about 10-15 minutes to heat through. You can also use the microwave—just be sure to cover it to avoid splatters and stir halfway through to heat evenly. Remember, the goal is to get it piping hot without losing that delicious flavor!
With these tips, your beef stew will be just as comforting the second time around. Enjoy every spoonful!
Z nadrukami
best stovetop beef stew recipe for cozy family dinners
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
A hearty stovetop beef stew recipe that warms you up.
Składniki
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add beef cubes and brown them on all sides.
- Remove beef and add onion, cooking until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Return beef to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, and tomato paste.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Uwagi
- For extra flavor, sear the beef in batches.
- Let the stew sit for a few hours or overnight for better taste.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 2 hours
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 4g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: best stovetop beef stew recipe
