Vegetable Beef Stew

Vegetable Beef Stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that warms you from the inside out. Packed with tender beef and fresh vegetables, it’s perfect for family dinners or cold nights. The blend of flavors and aromas will surely make your kitchen feel inviting!

Why make this recipe?

This recipe is fantastic for many reasons. First, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables and meat. Second, it’s versatile! You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Lastly, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup for you! 🥘

How to prepare Vegetable Beef Stew

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious Vegetable Beef Stew:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat 🥩
• 4 cups beef broth 🍲
• 2 cups carrots, chopped 🥕
• 2 cups potatoes, chopped 🥔
• 1 cup celery, chopped 🥬
• 1 onion, chopped 🧅
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 2 tsp dried thyme 🌿
• 2 bay leaves 🍃
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed 🌱

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 🥘
2. Add the beef stew meat, season with salt and pepper, and brown it on all sides. 🔥
3. Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. 🧅🥕🥔
4. Stir in the browned beef, beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, and green beans. 🍲🌱
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together. ⏳
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. 🌟
7. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

How to serve Vegetable Beef Stew

Serve your Vegetable Beef Stew hot, with crusty bread or over a scoop of rice for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like! 🍞

How to store Vegetable Beef Stew

Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. ❄️

Tips for preparing Vegetable Beef Stew

• For best results, choose a good cut of beef like chuck roast which becomes tender when cooked slowly. 🥩
• Don’t rush the browning step; it adds depth to the flavor. 🔥
• Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you have on hand, such as peas or corn. 🌽

Variations

You can easily customize your Vegetable Beef Stew by:

• Adding different herbs such as rosemary or oregano. 🌿
• Using red wine in place of some beef broth for extra richness. 🍷
• Making it a slow-cooker recipe by cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes! This recipe works well with pork or chicken, though you may need to adjust the cooking time. 🍗

Q: How do I make the stew thicker?
A: You can thicken the stew by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stirring it in during the last few minutes of cooking. 🌪️

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The flavors of the stew develop even more when made a day in advance. Just reheat before serving! 🔄

Enjoy your hearty and delightful Vegetable Beef Stew! 🍲❤️