Savory One-Pot Beef Stew

$- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 2 cups beef broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 2 bay leaves - 1 cup frozen peas - Salt and black pepper to taste Choosing the right beef is key. I like beef chuck because it gets tender and juicy. Cut it into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Using fresh ingredients makes a huge difference. Olive oil helps to brown the meat and adds flavor. Onions and garlic are must-haves for depth. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and heartiness. The beef broth brings everything together. Herbs, like thyme and rosemary, give that rich taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season it just right. - Fresh parsley - Crusty bread pairing Garnishing your stew can brighten the dish. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Pairing it with crusty bread is a great idea. You can use the bread to soak up the stew's rich broth. The meal feels complete and warm. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to brown the beef. This step adds flavor. Heat three tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season your beef chuck with salt and pepper. Add the beef cubes in batches. Do not crowd the pot. Brown all sides for about 5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate. This keeps the meat juicy and tender. Batch cooking is key. If you add too much beef at once, it will steam instead of brown. This can make your stew taste less rich. So, take your time with this step. Next, let’s build the base of your stew. In the same pot, add your chopped onion. Cook it until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This helps release the garlic’s strong flavor. Now, stir in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Cook these for about 4-5 minutes. This step helps soften the veggies before they simmer in the broth. Adding these ingredients brings color and nutrition to your stew. Now it’s time to simmer your stew. Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth. Add your dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to mix the flavors. This long cook time makes the meat tender. The herbs blend together, creating a rich taste. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in one cup of frozen peas. This adds a nice pop of color and sweetness. Before serving, remove the bay leaves. Enjoy your hearty and simple comfort meal! To make your beef stew really pop, adjust the spices to fit your taste. You can add more thyme or rosemary for a stronger flavor. A pinch of paprika can also add a nice kick. Taste it as you go. When you add frozen peas, do it in the last 10 minutes of cooking. This keeps them bright and fresh. If you add them too soon, they can turn mushy, and that changes the stew’s texture. Simmering is key in cooking beef stew. It allows the beef to become tender and lets flavors blend well. Keep the heat low after you bring it to a boil. A gentle simmer is perfect. Avoid overcooking the beef by keeping an eye on your cooking time. If you cook it too long, the beef can become dry and tough. Aim for 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering. This gives you tender meat without losing its juiciness. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: For the best flavor and tenderness, use beef chuck, which becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked. Brown the Meat: Take the time to brown the beef cubes properly; this step adds depth and richness to the stew's flavor. Let it Simmer: The longer you let the stew simmer, the more the flavors will develop. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure a balanced flavor. {{image_2}} To make your stew even better, try different veggies. You can swap out carrots and potatoes for turnips or parsnips. These root vegetables add unique flavors. They also change the texture, making each bite exciting. You can also change the beef cut. While beef chuck works well, you can use brisket or stew meat. Each cut offers a different taste and tenderness. Just remember to cook it low and slow for the best results. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free beef broth. Many brands offer great taste without gluten. You can also thicken your stew with cornstarch instead of flour. For a low-sodium version, choose low-sodium beef broth. You can add herbs for flavor instead of salt. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring out the beef's taste. This way, you stay healthy without losing flavor. To store leftovers, let your beef stew cool down first. Use an airtight container. This keeps the stew fresh for up to three days. When you reheat, use a pot on low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the bowl to avoid splatter. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Want to freeze your stew? Portion it into smaller containers. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need. Leave some space at the top of each container. Stew expands when frozen. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the stew in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on the defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat on the stove or microwave until hot. Make sure it reaches at least 165°F before serving. Yes, you can use different meats. Beef is classic, but try pork or chicken. You can also use lamb for a unique taste. Just remember that each meat has a different cooking time. Chicken cooks faster than beef, so adjust the cooking time as needed. The stew can last up to three days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to let it cool before you freeze it. Yes, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first for more flavor. Then, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This way, the meat will be very tender and the flavors will blend nicely. This blog post covered how to make a hearty beef stew. We discussed key ingredients like beef chuck, olive oil, and vegetables. You learned step-by-step instructions, such as browning the meat and simmering the stew. We also shared tips to enhance flavors and suggested variations to suit dietary needs. In the end, beef stew is flexible and delicious. It warms the heart and fills the stomach. Try it your way, and enjoy!$

Savory One-Pot Beef Stew

A hearty and flavorful beef stew cooked in one pot, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 2 15

Total Time 2 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 leaves bay leaves
1 cup frozen peas
to taste salt and black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot in batches, browning them on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 4-5 minutes to slightly soften.
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together.
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and stir well. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve the stew in deep bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread for sopping up the delicious broth!

Keyword beef stew, comfort food, one-pot meal