Veggie Beef Stew Recipe for a Hearty, Healthy Meal

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of veggie beef stew to warm you up on a chilly day. This comforting dish combines tender chunks of beef with an abundance of fresh vegetables, simmered slowly to create a rich, flavorful broth that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew is a versatile classic that never goes out of style. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that provide a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a wholesome choice for any occasion.

Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what’s in your pantry or your personal preferences.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through every step to create a delicious, slow-cooked veggie beef stew that’s bursting with flavor. From selecting the right cut of beef to tips on how to get those veggies perfectly tender, you’ll learn how to make a stew that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Don’t forget to check out some of our other recipes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This veggie beef stew recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful thanks to the combination of herbs, spices, and the natural richness of slow-cooked beef.

The vegetables add vibrant color, texture, and nutrition, turning this stew into a full meal in one pot.

It’s also very adaptable. You can swap out vegetables depending on the season or what you have on hand.

The stew freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking and busy weeknights. Additionally, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, suitable for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a reliable comfort food classic.

Finally, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters while still delivering that hearty, meaty satisfaction everyone loves.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Bowl for tossing flour (if thickening)
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Toss the beef in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pot: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the diced tomatoes and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot using your wooden spoon. This adds wonderful depth of flavor.
5. Add vegetables and herbs: Return the beef to the pot along with carrots, celery, potatoes, mushrooms, green beans, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour in the beef broth and stir thoroughly to combine.
6. Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaves. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stew before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

Always brown your beef in batches. Overcrowding the pan causes steaming, which prevents that beautiful caramelized crust and rich flavor development.

For a gluten-free version, simply skip the flour or use cornstarch for thickening.

You can swap out the beef chuck for stew beef or even a plant-based beef substitute to make it vegetarian-friendly. Add root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a sweet, earthy twist.

For extra depth, add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce during deglazing. If you like spicy food, consider adding a pinch of homemade chili powder to amp up the heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This veggie beef stew shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious broth. For a lighter side, serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette.

If you’re looking for a more filling meal, try serving the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. For a gluten-free option, cauliflower rice or quinoa are excellent choices.

Explore other wholesome meal ideas like our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love for easy, budget-friendly dinners.

Conclusion

Making a veggie beef stew from scratch is truly rewarding. This recipe offers a delicious balance of tender beef, colorful vegetables, and rich broth that will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough to serve guests, making it a versatile staple in any home cook’s repertoire.

With a bit of prep and slow simmering, you’ll have a stew that tastes like it’s been cooking all day, packed with nutrients and full of hearty goodness. Don’t hesitate to customize the vegetables or spices to suit your taste.

Remember, the best stews are made with love and patience.

For more comforting and nourishing recipes, check out our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals or try the Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals collection for convenient cooking inspiration.

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