Beef Stew With Baby Potatoes and Carrots
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A hearty and comforting beef stew that showcases tender beef, vibrant baby potatoes, and sweet carrots, perfect for chilly evenings.
This beef stew is a traditional comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dining table. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, while the baby potatoes and carrots add a delightful sweetness and texture.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and savory flavors that warm your soul
- Hearty ingredients that satisfy every appetite
- Perfect for meal prepping or family gatherings
The Perfect Comfort Food
As the temperatures drop and the nights grow longer, there's nothing quite like a hearty beef stew to warm your soul. This Beef Stew with Baby Potatoes and Carrots is the quintessential comfort food that brings both nourishment and joy to the table. With its rich flavors and tender meat, it’s a dish that evokes feelings of home and family gatherings.
The combination of beef, potatoes, and carrots creates a satisfying meal that is both filling and flavorful. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of taste, from the savory beef to the sweet carrots. It's a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also creates a sense of warmth and togetherness, making it perfect for chilly evenings spent indoors.
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the standout features of this beef stew recipe is its adaptability for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch and store individual portions in the refrigerator or freezer, ensuring that you have a delicious meal ready to go whenever hunger strikes. Simply reheat and enjoy a bowl of comfort without any fuss.
Moreover, the stew can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add additional vegetables like peas or green beans, or adjust the herbs to create your own unique flavor profile. This versatility not only makes it enjoyable but also allows it to fit into various dietary needs and preferences.
The Art of Stewing
Stewing is a cooking technique that allows flavors to meld beautifully over time. The key to a great beef stew is low and slow cooking, which tenderizes the meat and allows the ingredients to develop a rich, robust flavor. By simmering the stew for 1.5 to 2 hours, you ensure that every bite is infused with the essence of the herbs and spices.
In addition to being delicious, stews are also economical. Using tougher cuts of beef, such as chuck, allows you to create a gourmet meal on a budget. These cuts become incredibly tender with slow cooking, turning an ordinary dish into something extraordinary without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious beef stew.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)
Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready for cooking.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your beef stew.
Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Add the browned beef back into the pot along with baby potatoes, carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender and flavors meld.
Thicken (Optional)
If you'd like a thicker stew, mix flour with a bit of water to create a slurry and stir it into the pot. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve
Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy your hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
To store leftover beef stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect option for weekday meals. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Just be sure to label the containers with the date for easy tracking.
When reheating, you can warm the stew on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. If the stew has thickened during storage, you may want to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up for the best texture.
Pairing Suggestions
This beef stew pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the stew, providing a refreshing contrast.
For a complete meal, you might also enjoy pairing it with a glass of red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The full-bodied flavors of the wine enhance the savory notes in the stew, making for a delightful dining experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use brisket or round if preferred, but chuck is recommended for its tenderness.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or even bell peppers for variation.
→ Is this recipe suitable for slow cookers?
Yes, you can transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Beef Stew With Baby Potatoes and Carrots
A hearty and comforting beef stew that showcases tender beef, vibrant baby potatoes, and sweet carrots, perfect for chilly evenings.
Created by: Perrie Lawson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add the browned beef back into the pot along with baby potatoes, carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender and flavors meld.
If you'd like a thicker stew, mix flour with a bit of water to create a slurry and stir it into the pot. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g