There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting bowl of vegetable beef stew on a chilly day. This classic stove top recipe is perfect for those who want a rich and flavorful meal made with wholesome ingredients.
Slow-simmered to perfection, this stew combines tender chunks of beef with vibrant, fresh vegetables all swimming in a savory broth that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a cozy solo dinner, this recipe promises warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful.
Not only is it easy to make, but the ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite veggies or add a personal twist with herbs and spices.
If you’re looking for a soul-soothing dish that brings comfort and nutrition together, this vegetable beef stew recipe is your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable beef stew is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and cozy. The beef becomes tender and juicy after simmering slowly, while the vegetables stay vibrant and flavorful without getting mushy.
The rich broth is packed with herbs and spices, creating a depth of flavor that’s both robust and comforting.
It’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal hands-on time, freeing you up for other activities while it cooks. Plus, the recipe is highly adaptable to what you have on hand, making it perfect for using up whatever vegetables are in your fridge.
This recipe is also a great introduction to slow-simmered dishes if you haven’t tried making beef stew before.
If you love hearty and wholesome meals, you might also enjoy our 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious or Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals for more comforting stew and soup ideas.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute additional broth)
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 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 (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Small bowl (for flour slurry if thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure better browning. Season them with salt and pepper generously.
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meat on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and herbs: Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, cooking for 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the broth and beef: Return the browned beef cubes to the pot. Pour in beef broth, ensuring the meat is mostly covered. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add green beans and peas: Stir in the green beans and frozen peas, cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly stir it into the stew and simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and ladle the stew into bowls. Enjoy it hot with your favorite bread or side dish.
Tips & Variations
For the best flavor, brown the beef well – don’t rush this step!
Feel free to swap out or add vegetables based on what you like or have available. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or turnips work wonderfully in this stew.
If you’re not a fan of red wine or want to keep it alcohol-free, simply replace it with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
To make this stew more filling, add a cup of pearl barley or replace some of the potatoes with it. If you prefer a spicier stew, add a pinch of chili powder – and you can find a fantastic homemade blend in our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
For a lower-carb option, omit the potatoes and use more non-starchy vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Leftovers taste amazing the next day and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable beef stew is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. A crusty loaf of sourdough or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta also make great bases for ladling this stew on top. For a twist, try serving it with buttered egg noodles or over steamed rice.
If you want to round out the meal with a vegetable side, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the stew beautifully.
Looking for more cozy, flavorful meals? Check out our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love or Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals for delicious ideas.
Conclusion
Making a vegetable beef stew on the stove top is a rewarding experience that fills your home with inviting aromas and your belly with comforting goodness. This recipe delivers perfectly tender beef and a bounty of vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth.
It’s a classic dish that’s both simple and satisfying, perfect for cold evenings or whenever you crave a hearty meal.
Its versatility allows you to make it your own, whether by changing up the vegetables, adding grains, or adjusting the seasoning. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy a balanced meal rich in protein and nutrients.
For those who love exploring more wholesome meals, don’t miss our collection of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.
Enjoy the process of creating this timeless stew and the joy of sharing it with loved ones. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe Stove Top
Description: A hearty and comforting vegetable beef stew cooked on the stove top. Packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Return beef to the pot and pour in beef broth.
- Add carrots, celery, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hour.
- Add frozen peas and cook uncovered for another 15 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 20 g
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