Beef Stew Recipe Tomato Rich and Hearty for Winter

Updated On: October 12, 2025

Nothing quite beats the comforting warmth of a classic beef stew, especially when it’s enriched with the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes. This hearty dish is the ultimate go-to during chilly evenings or whenever you crave a homey, satisfying meal.

The rich, tender chunks of beef meld perfectly with the sweetness and slight acidity of tomatoes, creating a stew that’s both robust and refreshing.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen newbie, this beef stew recipe with tomato is straightforward, flexible, and deeply rewarding. It combines simple ingredients that you likely have on hand and transforms them into a dish bursting with flavor and nutrients.

Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, making every spoonful a delicious delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef stew recipe stands out because it balances the hearty, savory taste of slow-cooked beef with the bright, tangy essence of tomatoes. Unlike traditional stews that rely heavily on beef broth or wine, the tomato base adds a fresh twist that lightens the dish while maintaining richness.

With a combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a perfectly tender cut of beef, this recipe is both nutritious and comforting. It’s ideal for anyone looking to make a classic dish with a vibrant update.

Plus, it’s easy to adjust for different dietary preferences or to accommodate what you have in the pantry.

Looking for more delicious and easy recipes? Check out our other favorites like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes, 14 oz)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife for cutting beef and vegetables
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for serving
  • Serving bowls

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to help them brown better. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in your pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add tomato base: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld and reduce slightly.
  5. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the browned beef to the pot.
  6. Add vegetables and herbs: Toss in carrots, celery, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything to combine.
  7. Simmer low and slow: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  8. Check seasoning: Remove bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve and garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the deglazing step.

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the simmering stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Vegetable lovers can add mushrooms, green beans, or peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a colorful twist.

For a quicker version, you can use a slow cooker by browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic first, then combining all ingredients in the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 28 g
Fat 18 g
Carbohydrates 12 g
Fiber 3 g
Sodium 600 mg

Serving Suggestions

This tomato-based beef stew pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up its delicious sauce. Consider serving it alongside:

  • Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping
  • Mashed potatoes for a creamy complement
  • Steamed rice to balance the flavors
  • Roasted root vegetables for added texture and sweetness

For lightness, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully to cut through the richness of the stew.

Conclusion

This beef stew recipe with tomato is a beloved classic reinvented with fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy the comforting warmth of home-cooked goodness.

The tender beef combined with the sweet acidity of tomatoes and hearty vegetables is a match made in culinary heaven.

Perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a cozy solo meal, this stew is both versatile and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking it for a weekend family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on our site to keep your meals exciting and flavorful!

📖 Recipe Card: Beef Stew with Tomato

Description: A hearty beef stew simmered with fresh tomatoes and vegetables for a rich, comforting flavor. Perfect for a cozy family meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT2H
Total Time: PT2H20M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 large tomatoes, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  3. Add onion and garlic to the pot; sauté until softened.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste; cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Return beef to the pot and add carrots, celery, beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 2 hours.
  7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 15 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Beef Stew with Tomato”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty beef stew simmered with fresh tomatoes and vegetables for a rich, comforting flavor. Perfect for a cozy family meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT2H”, “totalTime”: “PT2H20M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “1 large onion, chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “4 large tomatoes, diced”, “3 carrots, sliced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “4 cups beef broth”, “2 tbsp tomato paste”, “1 tsp dried thyme”, “2 bay leaves”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then remove and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic to the pot; saut\u00e9 until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return beef to the pot and add carrots, celery, beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 2 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “35 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X