Print

Stove Top Beef Stew

Stove Top Beef Stew
Print Recipe

Stove Top Beef Stew is a hearty, soul-warming dish featuring tender chunks of beef chuck, fresh vegetables, and rich broth simmered together to create a comforting and flavorful meal. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for chilly days when you crave a nourishing and cozy bowl of stew, adaptable to your favorite ingredients and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes

Vegetables

  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Base

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning beef)

Thickening and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Cut beef chuck into bite-sized cubes. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece forms a golden crust. Remove browned beef and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened and aromatic, scraping up browned bits from the pot bottom for added flavor.
  3. Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly to reduce acidity. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to create a roux, which will thicken the stew.
  4. Add Liquid and Simmer: Return browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth and add thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.
  5. Add Potatoes and Finish Cooking: Add diced potatoes to the stew and simmer uncovered for 30 more minutes, allowing potatoes to cook through and stew to thicken naturally.

Notes

  • Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure better caramelization.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaf significantly enhance the stew’s aroma and flavor.
  • Never skip searing the beef as it locks in juices and builds depth in taste.
  • Simmer the stew gently on low heat for tender meat without dryness.
  • Adjust the amount of flour or broth to achieve your preferred stew consistency.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
  • You can add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick if desired.
  • To enrich flavor, replace part of the broth with red wine.
  • Try a slow cooker method by browning beef and sautéing vegetables first, then cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on stove or microwave to maintain texture and prevent drying.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, stove top beef stew, hearty stew, comfort food, slow simmer, easy dinner, gluten-free beef stew, meal prep

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/stove-top-beef-stew/