This Beef Stew with Vegetables is a hearty dish packed with tender beef chunks and an array of colorful vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. It’s perfect for cozy meals and makes your home smell wonderful.
I find this stew warms me up from the inside and always makes my family ask for seconds. Sometimes I add a little extra thyme—just because I like that herby flavor!
For easy serving, I like to make it ahead and reheat. It tastes even better the next day and is great for busy weeknights or comforting weekends.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I use sturdy cuts like chuck because they get tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. Tip: Let your beef come to room temp before cooking for even browning. Substitute with venison or stew pork if you prefer a different meat option.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and texture. Peel and chop evenly for uniform cooking. No fresh? Frozen carrots work well, just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes make the stew hearty. Keep chunks even-sized for consistent doneness. Sweet potatoes are a tasty swap for a different flavor twist.
Onions: Onions build depth. Dice them small so they melt into the stew. If you’re out, shallots or leeks are good alternatives, but adjust cooking time slightly.
Celery: Adds crunch and slight bitterness. Slice thinly for easy cooking. You can swap with fennel for a different flavor, but reduce cooking time a bit.
Broth: Use beef or vegetable broth for a rich base. Homemade broth gives full flavor, but store-bought works perfectly. For a lighter version, dilute with water.
How do I sear beef without it drying out?
Make sure your beef is dry before searing; pat it with paper towels. Use a hot pan with oil, and don’t overcrowd the pan—sear in batches if needed. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside to keep juiciness.
How to Make Beef Stew with Vegetables?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Beef and Broth
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Seasonings
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
How Much Time Will You Need?
15 minutes prep + 2 hours cook + 0 minutes rest = 2 hours 15 minutes total
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the beef
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef chunks and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables
In the same pot, add onions, garlic, celery, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Combine ingredients
Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and add seasonings. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook the stew
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked.
5. Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot, with crusty bread if desired.
