Description
A rich and filling hearty beef and vegetable stew featuring tender beef chuck simmered with potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic in a flavorful broth enhanced by tomato paste and fresh thyme. This comforting dish is perfect for cold days and provides a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding, and brown them deeply on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance flavor.
- Add Tomato Paste and Return Beef: Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for 1-2 minutes to develop flavor. Then add the browned beef back into the pot, mixing well to coat with the paste.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Add the chopped potatoes and carrots to the pot. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve the stew warm as a hearty main dish.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, you can mash a few pieces of potato against the pot to release starches during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Use fresh thyme if available for a brighter herbal flavor.
- This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
- You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for variety.
- Serve with crusty bread or over buttered noodles for a complete meal.