America’s Test Kitchen Hearty Beef & Vegetable Stew Recipe

When the days grow colder and you crave something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, nothing beats a hearty beef and vegetable stew. America’s Test Kitchen has perfected this classic recipe, combining tender beef chunks with a medley of fresh vegetables and rich, savory broth.

This stew is the epitome of comfort food — a dish that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers satisfying, balanced nutrition with every spoonful.

With its well-balanced mixture of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients, this stew is a foolproof way to enjoy a nutritious, filling meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to make on a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for weekend gatherings.

Let’s dive into why this recipe has become a beloved staple and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and vegetable stew recipe from America’s Test Kitchen is a perfect blend of rich flavors and hearty textures. The beef is seared to lock in juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

The slow simmering process melds the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and herbs beautifully, creating a deep, savory broth that is both satisfying and nourishing.

The recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have on hand, and the step-by-step instructions make it accessible even for novice cooks. The stew freezes and reheats well, making it ideal for batch cooking and meal prep.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional comfort food or looking to expand your stew repertoire, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
2. Sear the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, brown the beef cubes on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pot. Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Add tomato paste and flour: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes. This will help thicken the stew.
5. Deglaze the pot: Slowly pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Add beef and seasonings: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add thyme, bay leaves, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cover and simmer gently on low heat for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Add vegetables: Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue simmering until vegetables and beef are tender, about 45 minutes more.
8. Finish the stew: Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 minutes until heated through. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For an even richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce in step 5.

To make this stew gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the stew to avoid lumps.

If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the cooked potato chunks and stir them back into the stew to naturally thicken the broth.

For a twist, try adding root vegetables like parsnips or turnips, or swap the peas for green beans or corn depending on your preference and seasonal availability.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This hearty beef and vegetable stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed green beans for a well-rounded meal.

For a cozy winter dinner, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. If you want a lighter side, a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Conclusion

America’s Test Kitchen’s hearty beef and vegetable stew recipe is an absolute winner for anyone seeking a classic, comforting meal that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare. The tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory broth combine to create a dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep for the busy week ahead.

Its adaptability means you can tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs, whether that’s making it gluten-free or swapping in your favorite vegetables.

Beyond its deliciousness, this stew brings a sense of warmth and homey satisfaction that few dishes can match. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other comforting and wholesome meals like our 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious, or for plant-based inspiration, check out the A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

For those who enjoy seasoning blends, don’t miss our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and savor the rich, satisfying flavors of this classic stew. Happy cooking!

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