Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew: A Cozy, Comforting Classic
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 3 pounds chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for browning the beef)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced into large chunks
- 2 Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup tomato paste (adds richness and depth)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami flavor)
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup frozen peas
How to Make Vegetable Beef Stew
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Beef
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Season the chuck roast pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them lightly with flour. This helps create a flavorful crust.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Heat butter and canola oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Sear the beef chunks in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a deep brown crust.
- Once browned, transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and carrots.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize.
- Stir in the potatoes and corn, followed by the broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 4: Simmer & Bake
- Return the browned beef (and any juices) to the pot.
- Cover and place in the preheated oven. Let it braise for 2 hours and 30 minutes, allowing the meat to become fall-apart tender.
Step 5: Add Final Ingredients
- Remove the pot from the oven and stir in the green beans and frozen peas.
- Return to the stove and simmer for another 10 minutes until the veggies are tender.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread.
Final Thoughts
This Vegetable Beef Stew is the ultimate one-pot meal—filling, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing for leftovers, it’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
Would you like to add extra veggies or swap the beef for another protein? Let’s make it perfect for you! 😊