🍲 Ultimate Traditional Beef Stew with Vegetables (Tender & Comforting Recipe)
There’s nothing more comforting than a traditional beef stew with vegetables slowly simmered to perfection. This timeless dish is the definition of hearty home cooking—rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Tender chunks of beef melt in your mouth while the vegetables soak up a savory, herb-infused sauce that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a special weekend meal, this classic beef stew recipe is guaranteed to impress.
👨👩👧👦 Servings
6 servings
⏱ Prep Time
25 minutes
🔥 Cook Time
2 hours 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 🥩 1.2 kg beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into large cubes
- 🥕 4 carrots, sliced into thick rounds
- 🥔 4 potatoes, cut into chunks
- 🧅 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 🧄 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 🍅 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 🥣 1 liter hot beef broth (or water)
- 🌿 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 🌿 2 bay leaves
- 🧈 40 g butter
- 🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the beef into evenly sized chunks to ensure consistent cooking. Peel and chop the carrots and potatoes into large pieces so they hold their shape during the long simmer. Slice the onions thinly and finely mince the garlic for a well-balanced flavor base.
2️⃣ Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear each piece until deeply browned on all sides. This step is essential—it builds a rich, caramelized flavor that defines a great homemade beef stew. Remove the beef and set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft, fragrant, and lightly golden. Stir in the carrots and cook for another 2–3 minutes to slightly soften them and enhance their natural sweetness.
4️⃣ Build the Stew Base
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. This adds depth and a subtle richness to the sauce. Pour in the hot broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all the flavorful bits.
5️⃣ Slow Simmer to Perfection
Add the thyme and bay leaves, then season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently over low heat for about 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the flavors develop into a rich, comforting sauce.
6️⃣ Add the Potatoes
After 2 hours, add the potatoes to the stew. Stir gently, cover again, and continue cooking for another 30 minutes. The potatoes should become soft while absorbing the delicious broth, making the dish even more satisfying.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and intensify. Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or alongside a fresh green salad for balance. This traditional beef stew with vegetables tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Beef Stew
- Always cook on low heat to achieve ultra-tender meat.
- Cut vegetables into large pieces to prevent them from breaking apart.
- For a thicker sauce, let the stew simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
This classic beef stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food—simple, rustic, and full of deep flavors. Perfect for cold days or when you need a warm, satisfying meal that brings everyone together.