Description

Beef and Vegetable Stew is a comforting and nourishing dish featuring tender chunks of beef and fresh vegetables simmered in a savory broth with natural flavors. This hearty stew is perfect for cozy nights, delivering a balanced meal rich in essential nutrients and warmth. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping and suitable all year round.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Vegetables

2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized chunks
3 large carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Flavorings

2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste

Thickening

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley, chopped
Green onion slices
Plant-based sour cream
Toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into bite-sized chunks and pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides until a rich golden crust forms. This seals in flavor and creates a savory base for the stew.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until onions are translucent and vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste (natural) and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Build the Stew Base: Return the browned beef to the pot along with peeled and cubed potatoes. Sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture and stir well to coat, helping thicken the stew naturally. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), thyme, and bay leaves.
Simmer Until Tender: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning halfway through if needed.
Final Touches: Remove bay leaves and stir the stew. For thicker consistency, sprinkle natural gelling agent mixed with cold water, then simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley, green onion slices, plant-based sour cream, or toasted seeds.

Notes

Brown the beef well to build rich flavors.
Simmer slowly for tender beef and well-blended flavors.
Allow the stew to simmer uncovered if you want a thicker broth before adding natural gelling agent.
Use fresh thyme and bay leaves for the best aroma.
Season the stew fully towards the end to avoid over-salting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: beef stew, vegetable stew, comforting dinner, hearty meal, one-pot meal, slow cooked beef, nutritious stew