Introduction

Few dishes embody comfort quite like a steaming bowl of Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots. This timeless classic has graced family tables for generations, offering warmth, nourishment, and unforgettable flavor. Its roots are humble—born of necessity, using affordable cuts of beef, seasonal root vegetables, and simple seasonings. Yet the result is anything but ordinary. As the stew simmers, the beef turns fork-tender, the potatoes soak up all the meaty richness, and the carrots add just the right amount of natural sweetness.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a few simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s not a quick dish—it rewards patience. The low-and-slow simmering process allows the flavors to deepen, creating a broth that’s rich, savory, and velvety. It’s the kind of food that warms your body and soul, making it perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday suppers, or when you want to feed a crowd with something satisfying.

This is a Must Try Dish

This stew is a must-try dish because it represents everything people love about comfort food. It’s hearty enough to serve as a full meal, yet versatile enough to pair with bread, rice, or salad. Its balance of tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth is universally loved—appealing to both picky eaters and food lovers who appreciate classic, rustic cooking. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours 35 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / European comfort food

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can replace with broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh)
• 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables:

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Brown the Beef:
   Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear beef cubes until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   In the same pot, add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Build the Base:
   Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic, stirring for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. Slowly whisk in red wine (if using) and broth.
4. Season and Simmer:
   Stir in tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Return beef to pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 ½ hours.
5. Add Vegetables:
   Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Simmer uncovered for another 45 minutes until beef and vegetables are fork-tender.
6. Finish:
   Remove bay leaves and herb sprigs. Stir in peas (if using) and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep ingredients – Cut beef into cubes, chop vegetables, and measure out spices.
2. Sear beef – Brown cubes in batches for deep flavor.
3. Cook onions & garlic – Sauté until fragrant and softened.
4. Deglaze pot – Add wine (or broth) and scrape up browned bits.
5. Simmer broth – Add beef broth, tomato paste, herbs, and seasonings.
6. Slow cook – Return beef, cover, and simmer until tender.
7. Add vegetables – Stir in potatoes, carrots, and celery; cook until tender.
8. Finish & garnish – Add peas at the end and garnish with parsley.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread to soak up the rich broth.
• Pair with a light green salad for a balanced meal.
• A glass of red wine or dark beer pairs beautifully with this stew.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the right cut: Beef chuck is best—avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which turn tough.
• Brown in batches: Overcrowding prevents proper browning.
• Low and slow: The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef.
• Thicker stew: Mash a few potatoes into the broth or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Variations

1. Guinness Beef Stew: Replace wine with dark stout for a deeper, malty flavor.
2. French-Inspired Stew: Add mushrooms and pearl onions for a boeuf bourguignon twist.
3. Mediterranean Style: Use olive oil, add olives, and replace potatoes with chickpeas.
4. Slow Cooker Version: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stock pot
• Sharp chef’s knife & cutting board
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Ladle for serving

FAQ

Q1: Can I use stew meat instead of chuck roast?
Yes, but stew meat is often a mix of cuts. Chuck roast gives more consistent results.

Q2: Do I have to use wine?
No. You can replace it with extra broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Q3: How do I make the stew thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered longer, mash some potatoes, or add a cornstarch slurry.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Stew tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Q5: Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, pressure cook on high for 35 minutes, then quick-release, add vegetables, and cook on sauté mode until tender.

Conclusion

Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, warming, and deeply flavorful. From the tender beef to the perfectly cooked vegetables, every spoonful is satisfying and nourishing. It’s a dish that proves simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just craving comfort in a bowl, this beef stew is a must-try recipe you’ll come back to again and again.