Vegetable Beef Recipe Ideas for Easy Family Dinners

There’s something truly comforting about a hearty vegetable beef stew that warms you from the inside out. Combining tender chunks of beef with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, this classic dish is a family favorite that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this vegetable beef recipe is straightforward, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Slow cooking the beef allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth that makes every bite satisfying.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to create this delicious meal at home — from the list of ingredients and equipment to easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips. Plus, I’ll share some variations to customize the recipe to your taste and dietary needs.

Ready to dive into a bowl of hearty goodness? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetable beef recipe is a one-pot wonder that brings together the best of both worlds: succulent beef and wholesome vegetables. It’s perfect for anyone who loves comfort food but also wants the nourishment that fresh veggies provide.

The slow simmering process tenderizes the meat and intensifies the flavors, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Another great reason to try this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in more veggies for picky eaters. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great option for meal planning.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (optional, for flour)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening.
5. Combine beef and liquids: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Add green beans and corn: About 15 minutes before the stew is done, stir in the green beans and corn. Continue cooking uncovered to allow the stew to thicken slightly.
8. Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour with ¼ cup of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the stew thickens.
9. Final seasoning: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
10. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, try marinating the beef cubes in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to swap out the green beans and corn for peas, mushrooms, or zucchini, depending on your preference or seasonality.
• Slow cooker option: After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky heat. For a vegan twist on spice blends, check out this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the stew.
• Meal prep friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day and freezes well, making it perfect for batch cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable beef stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic touch, serve it alongside crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious broth.

You can also serve it over creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles for a heartier meal. For a lighter option, consider a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

If you’re interested in more vegetable-packed meals, explore our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for inspiration.

Conclusion

This vegetable beef recipe is a timeless dish that combines rich, savory flavors with the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables. It’s an ideal meal for chilly evenings when you crave something warm, filling, and satisfying.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its flexibility — you can adapt it to suit your pantry, dietary preferences, or the seasons.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals ahead of time, this stew delivers comforting nourishment that everyone will appreciate. Don’t forget to check out other hearty and delicious recipes like the 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious or the Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love for more wholesome meal ideas.

Happy cooking!

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