What kind of beef is best for a hearty pot of stove top beef stew?

Beef chuck roast, often labeled as “stew meat” once cubed, is truly ideal. It has enough fat and connective tissue to break down beautifully during the slow simmer, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful. This is key for a truly satisfying recipe for beef stew on stove top hearty pot .

Can I make this beef stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stove top beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. Prepare it a day or two in advance, let it cool, and gently reheat when ready to serve. It's a fantastic meal prep option.

How do I thicken my beef stew on the stove top?

You have a couple of options. You can toss the raw beef cubes with a tablespoon or two of flour before browning them. Alternatively, make a slurry of 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water, then stir it into the simmering stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking until thickened.

Can I add other vegetables to this hearty pot beef stew?

Yes, definitely! Feel free to customize your hearty pot beef stew with parsnips, turnips, or even frozen corn (added in the last few minutes of cooking) to suit your taste. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.

Why is my beef stew not tender?

This usually means it hasn't simmered long enough. Beef chuck needs ample time to break down its connective tissues. Ensure it's simmering gently (not boiling rapidly) for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is easily pierced with a fork.

Is it better to cook beef stew covered or uncovered?

Cook it covered for most of the cooking time. This helps retain moisture, keeps the beef from drying out, and ensures it gets wonderfully tender. If you find the broth is too thin at the end, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate and thicken slightly.

Recipe For Beef Stew On Stove Top Hearty Pot

Name: Beef Stew On Stove Top Hearty Pot
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 45 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed (900g): The perfect cut for tender, flavorful stew meat that breaks down beautifully.; 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml): For browning the beef and sautéing aromatics, building flavor.; 1 large onion, chopped: Provides an essential aromatic base for the stew.; 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds crucial depth and savory notes.; 4 cups beef broth (960ml): The rich liquid foundation for our delicious broth.; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (411g): Contributes tang, acidity, and body to the stew.; 2 tbsp tomato paste (30g): Boosts umami and thickens the sauce.; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (15ml): Adds a layer of savory complexity and depth.; 1 tsp dried thyme (5ml): A classic herb pairing that complements beef wonderfully.; 2 bay leaves: Infuses a subtle, aromatic background flavor.; 3 carrots, peeled and chopped: For natural sweetness, vibrant color, and texture.; 3 celery stalks, chopped: Adds earthy notes and a subtle crunch.; 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: A hearty, satisfying element that thickens the stew naturally.; Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

Description

This rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying stove top beef stew is an easy weeknight meal, warming your family from the inside out. Featuring tender beef and a deeply flavored broth, it’s perfect for big flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs beef chuck, cubed (900g): The perfect cut for tender, flavorful stew meat that breaks down beautifully.
2 tbsp olive oil (30ml): For browning the beef and sautéing aromatics, building flavor.
1 large onion, chopped: Provides an essential aromatic base for the stew.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds crucial depth and savory notes.
4 cups beef broth (960ml): The rich liquid foundation for our delicious broth.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (411g): Contributes tang, acidity, and body to the stew.
2 tbsp tomato paste (30g): Boosts umami and thickens the sauce.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (15ml): Adds a layer of savory complexity and depth.
1 tsp dried thyme (5ml): A classic herb pairing that complements beef wonderfully.
2 bay leaves: Infuses a subtle, aromatic background flavor.
3 carrots, peeled and chopped: For natural sweetness, vibrant color, and texture.
3 celery stalks, chopped: Adds earthy notes and a subtle crunch.
2–3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: A hearty, satisfying element that thickens the stew naturally.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

Instructions

Prep the Beef (10 mins): Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps develop a good sear and a flavorful crust.
Brown the Beef (10-15 mins): Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed hearty pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches until nicely seared on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this prevents browning.
Sauté Aromatics (8-10 mins): Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom – that’s pure flavor! Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Flavor (5 mins): Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it deepen in color. Deglaze with a splash of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all those delicious browned bits.
Simmer the Stew (1.5-2 hours): Return beef to the pot. Add remaining beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until beef is fork-tender. Check liquid levels occasionally and stir, ensuring nothing sticks.
Add Vegetables (30-45 mins): Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Continue to simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 30-45 minutes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the vegetables for this delicious beef stew on stove top.
Final Touches (5 mins): Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit longer, or use the thickening swap mentioned earlier for a perfectly textured hearty pot of stew.

Notes

Optional Add-ins & Swaps:

Mushrooms: Add sliced cremini mushrooms (1 cup/100g) with the carrots for extra earthiness.
Green Beans/Peas: Stir in frozen peas or cut green beans (1 cup/120g) during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and freshness.
Wine: A splash of red wine (1/2 cup/120ml) can be added after browning the beef for extra depth; just simmer until reduced.
Thickeners: For a thicker stew, stir 1-2 tablespoons of flour into the beef after browning and before adding liquids, or make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) at the end.

Quality & Seasonality Notes:

Choose good quality beef chuck for the best tenderness and flavor. Fresh carrots, celery, and onions are key for a vibrant base. Look for rich beef broth or stock; homemade is best but a good store-bought brand works well. Freshly ground black pepper makes a significant difference in taste.

Note on Diet: This recipe is assumed to be Gluten-Free based on typical ingredients, but always check labels for specific dietary needs (e.g., Worcestershire sauce).

Note on Nutrition: Nutritional data is an estimate as it was not provided in the original article.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 0
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Beef Stew