Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the beef is mostly covered. Add the cubed potatoes, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk the flour with ¼ cup of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and let it simmer until thickened. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious hearty beef and vegetable stew.
Notes
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the beef adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Control the Simmer: A gentle simmer is key to tenderizing the beef and preventing the vegetables from becoming mushy.
- Add Vegetables Strategically: Add heartier vegetables like potatoes earlier in the cooking process, and delicate ones like peas towards the end.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your stew well with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if not using flour), Dairy-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg