Oh, beef stew! Is there anything more comforting on a chilly evening? For me, it’s pure nostalgia in a bowl. I grew up on simple, unfussy meals, and beef stew was always a star. I’m Lisa Raymond, by the way! This website is just my little corner of the internet where I share recipes that don’t require a ton of effort but still taste amazing. And trust me, these beef stew meat recipes are some of my favorites. You know, the kind that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes everyone happy? It’s all about keeping it simple but so, so delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Beef Stew Meat Recipes
Okay, so why should you try *this* beef stew? Well, let me tell you! It’s:
- **Seriously easy:** Even on a busy weeknight, you can totally pull this off. Promise!
- **Comfort in a bowl:** That rich, savory flavor? It’s like a warm hug.
- **Simple ingredients:** Nothing fancy here, just good ol’ wholesome stuff.
- **Family-friendly:** Even the pickiest eaters usually gobble this up. (Big win!)
Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s the kind of meal that just makes everyone feel good.
Ingredients for the Best Beef Stew Meat Recipes
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, I promise. We’re going for cozy and accessible, so you probably have most of this stuff already. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing beef stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (I usually get mine already cubed – saves a step!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning that yummy beef)
- 1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white, whatever you have on hand!)
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or use the pre-minced stuff, I won’t tell!)
- 8 cups beef broth (low sodium is my go-to so I can control the salt)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to take it out before serving!)
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed (I like Yukon Gold, but Russets work too)
- 1 cup frozen peas (adds a pop of sweetness and color!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Easy peasy, right? Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Delicious Beef Stew Meat Recipes: Step-by-Step
Okay, friend, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make this ridiculously tasty beef stew, step by easy step. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it.
- Season that beef! First things first, sprinkle your beef stew meat with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! This is where the flavor starts.
- Brown the beef (in batches!). Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Now, this is important: don’t overcrowd the pot! Brown the beef in batches. If you dump it all in at once, it’ll steam instead of brown, and we want that nice, crusty sear. Set the browned beef aside.
- Sauté the veggies. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook ’em until they soften up a bit, about 5 minutes or so. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now! Careful not to burn the garlic – nobody likes bitter stew!
- Bring it all together. Return the browned beef to the pot with the veggies. Pour in the beef broth, add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and that bay leaf (remember to take it out later!).
- Simmer, simmer, simmer! Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You want that beef to be fall-apart tender. Check it occasionally – if it starts to look dry, add a little more broth.
- Add the potatoes. Once the beef is nice and tender, add the cubed potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Peas, please! Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Just enough time to heat them through, but you still want that little pop of freshness..
- Serve it up! Remove the bay leaf (very important!) and serve your glorious beef stew hot.
See? Not too scary, right? Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stew that’ll knock your socks off! And really – browning the beef is a game-changer. Trust me!
Tips for the Most Flavorful Beef Stew Meat Recipes
Want to take your beef stew from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to really amp up the flavor:
- Don’t skip the browning! Seriously, browning the beef is *essential*. It creates those deeply savory flavors that make the stew so delicious.
- Deglaze that pot! After browning the beef, pour a little bit of beef broth into the pot and scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom. That’s where SO much flavor hides!
- Low and slow is the way to go. Simmering the stew for a good amount of time is what makes the beef incredibly tender. Don’t rush it! The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together.
Seriously, these little tips make a HUGE difference. Give ’em a try and see for yourself!
Variations on These Classic Beef Stew Meat Recipes
Okay, so you’ve got the basic beef stew down. Awesome! But what if you’re feeling a little adventurous? The great thing about stew is that it’s super adaptable. Here are a few ideas to mix things up and make it your own:
- **Spice it up!** A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili powder can add a really nice warmth.
- **Herb garden.** Try swapping out the dried herbs for fresh ones. Thyme and rosemary are always a good choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment!
- **Veggie power!** Toss in some parsnips or mushrooms along with the carrots and celery. They add a lovely earthy flavor.
- **Wine not?** Add a splash of red wine (about 1/2 cup) when you add the beef broth. It’ll deepen the flavor and make it extra rich.
Seriously, don’t be afraid to play around! That’s the best part about cooking – making it your own. Who knows? You might discover your new favorite twist on beef stew!
Serving Suggestions for Your Beef Stew Meat Recipes
Alright, you’ve got this amazing pot of beef stew simmering away. Now what? Well, here are my go-to sides to make it a complete and utterly satisfying meal:
- **Crusty Bread:** Seriously, you *need* something to soak up all that delicious broth! A nice crusty loaf is perfect.
- Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are another classic pairing that never fails.
- Simple Side Salad:** For a little freshness and crunch, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always welcome.
Honestly, with any of these sides, you’re in for a treat! Sometimes I just grab a spoon and dig right in. No judgment here!
FAQ About Beef Stew Meat Recipes
Got questions about making the *best* beef stew meat recipes? I get it! Here are some of the most common questions I hear, plus my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use a slow cooker for these beef stew meat recipes?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are AMAZING for beef stew. Just brown the beef and sauté the veggies as directed, then toss everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You might not need as much beef broth since it won’t evaporate as much. Just keep an eye on it!
What’s the best cut of beef for stew?
You know, chuck roast is my go-to. It’s got great marbling, which means it gets super tender and flavorful as it simmers. But brisket or even short ribs can work beautifully too, if you’re feeling fancy. Really though, *beef stew meat recipes* shine with any of those cuts!
How do I thicken my *easy* beef stew *meat recipes*?
Easy peasy! My favorite trick is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Then, stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken up like magic! You can also mash some of the potatoes in the stew or even stir in a bit of tomato paste.
Can I freeze these *quick* beef stew meat *recipes*?
You bet! Beef stew freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop. So easy for meal prepping! I love knowing my *beef stew meat recipes* are stored safely.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, just a quick note: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, the numbers provided are just estimates, not a guarantee! Just wanted to be clear about that.
Enjoy Your Homemade Beef Stew
And there you have it! Your very own pot of hearty, delicious beef stew. I really hope you give this recipe a try – I know you’re going to love it!
Hey, if you do make it, would you mind leaving a comment below? I’d love to hear how it turned out! And if you’re feeling extra generous, give the recipe a rating, or share it with your friends on social media! Sharing is caring, right?
Thanks so much for stopping by! And if you’re hungry for more simple and soul-satisfying recipes, check out more about me and what I do! Happy cooking!
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Simple Beef Stew
- Total Time: 2 hr 50 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This beef stew recipe is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for a simple dinner. It features tender beef and vegetables in a rich broth.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- You can add other vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms to the stew.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 2 hr 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg



