A hearty bowl of beef stew is the epitome of comfort food, and this recipe for Hearty Beef Stew with Carrots is no exception. With tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this stew is the ultimate warming dish for chilly days. The combination of beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, and a well-seasoned broth creates a meal that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Slow-simmered to perfection, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the vegetables absorb the savory flavors of the broth. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing a meal to enjoy over several days, this stew is sure to please. It’s easy to make, filled with wholesome ingredients, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish to share with loved ones. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted based on your preferences, allowing you to swap in different vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple to Prepare

With just a handful of ingredients, this beef stew is straightforward to make, with minimal prep time and easy-to-follow instructions.

2. Comforting and Hearty

This stew is packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and carrots, making it the ultimate comfort food that fills you up and warms you from the inside out.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

Hearty Beef Stew keeps well in the fridge for several days, and it also freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.

4. Packed with Flavor

Simmered slowly with beef broth, thyme, and aromatic garlic and onions, this stew is bursting with rich, savory flavors that will make you crave it again and again.

5. Customizable

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like peas, green beans, or even a splash of red wine for extra depth. The recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

Beef stew meat (cubed)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Carrots (sliced)
Potatoes (diced)
Diced tomatoes (canned)
Beef broth
Thyme
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in additional veggies like parsnips, green beans, or peas for added color and nutrition.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to introduce a little heat to your stew.
Add Red Wine: For a richer flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine before adding the beef broth.
Slow Cooker Version: You can prepare this stew in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
Vegetarian Stew: Swap the beef for hearty mushrooms or other plant-based proteins to make a vegetarian version of this stew.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Heat Olive Oil

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the beef stew meat to the pot and cook, turning occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Broth

Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil

Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 6: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 7: Serve

Once the stew is ready, serve it hot in bowls and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the Beef Properly: For maximum flavor, make sure to brown the beef well on all sides before adding the other ingredients. This step helps develop a deeper, richer flavor.
Low and Slow: Simmer the stew over low heat for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop. You can simmer it for up to 2 hours for even more tender beef.
Adjust Consistency: If the stew becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra beef broth or water.
Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or thyme can elevate the flavor.

How to Serve

Hearty Beef Stew is perfect on its own, served in bowls with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or grated cheese on top of the stew before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The stew will continue to develop flavor as it sits, so it’s even better the next day!

Freezing

This beef stew freezes wonderfully. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat the stew on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew is too thick after freezing, add a little extra broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, like chuck roast or brisket. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces and simmer until tender.

2. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

3. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like parsnips, green beans, peas, or even turnips for added flavor and nutrition.

4. How do I thicken the stew?

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or add a slurry of flour and water toward the end of cooking.

5. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

While this recipe is best with beef, you can substitute chicken for a lighter version of the stew. Just adjust the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster than beef.

6. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes! This stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

7. What kind of potatoes should I use?

Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet potatoes work best for this stew as they hold up well during the long simmering time.

8. How can I make this stew spicier?

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a chopped jalapeño when cooking the vegetables.

9. Can I freeze this beef stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months.

10. Can I add wine to the stew?

Yes, a splash of red wine added after browning the beef can enhance the flavor of the stew. Let it cook down before adding the broth.

Conclusion

This Hearty Beef Stew with Carrots is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or a family meal. With tender beef, a rich broth, and hearty vegetables, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings for something warm and filling. Whether you make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this stew is easy to prepare and full of savory goodness. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers that taste even better the next day. So, grab your ingredients and make this wholesome stew—it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!