Beef and Vegetable Stew Recipes for Hearty Family Meals

There’s something truly comforting about a hearty beef and vegetable stew, especially as the weather cools down or when you crave a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. This classic dish combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of fresh vegetables simmered slowly in a rich, flavorful broth.

It’s the kind of recipe that warms you from the inside out and fills your home with inviting aromas that make everyone gather around the table. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, beef and vegetable stew offers incredible versatility, allowing you to tweak the ingredients and spices to suit your taste.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a delicious beef and vegetable stew recipe that’s straightforward yet packed with flavor. Plus, I’ll share helpful tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your stew game.

If you enjoy hearty, wholesome meals, you’ll love this recipe. And if you’re interested in exploring more comforting dishes, be sure to check out our 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love for more inspiration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and vegetable stew recipe is a perfect blend of savory, tender beef and vibrant vegetables, making it a balanced and hearty meal. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and comforting broth.

It’s also incredibly customizable — you can swap vegetables based on what’s in season or add your favorite herbs and spices for a personal touch.

Beyond taste, this stew is a wholesome option packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it ideal for a nutritious family dinner. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife for chopping
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowl for tossing beef with flour
• Lid for the pot

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss them with the flour until evenly coated. This helps thicken the stew later.
2. Sear the beef: Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and brown them on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add tomato paste and herbs: Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine the flavors.
6. Return beef and add broth: Add the seared beef back into the pot along with the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover with lid and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Add vegetables: After the beef has become tender, add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the stew. Continue simmering, covered, for another 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
8. Finish with green beans and peas: Stir in the green beans and frozen peas. Cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
9. Remove bay leaves and serve: Discard the bay leaves. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the beef cubes overnight in red wine, garlic, and herbs before cooking.

Vegetable swaps: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like parsnips, turnips, mushrooms, or butternut squash depending on seasonality and preference.

Thickening options: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Slow cooker adaptation: Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

If you enjoy experimenting with spice blends, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for ideas to add a subtle kick to your stew.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef and vegetable stew is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a comforting meal.

A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up the savory broth.

For a lighter option, serve the stew alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. And if you’re looking to round out the meal with more vegetables, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts work beautifully.

Want to explore more hearty dishes? Try our Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals to discover new favorites.

Conclusion

There’s no denying the comforting power of a well-made beef and vegetable stew. This recipe combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth to create a meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply want to curl up with something hearty.

The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a stew that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and highly adaptable. Its flexibility means you can tailor it to your pantry or dietary needs while still enjoying a classic, delicious dish.

Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables or spices to make it your own, and check out related recipes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more culinary inspiration.

Happy cooking!

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