Welcome to the world of rich and hearty flavors! This Vegetable Beef Stew recipe is a comforting dish that's perfect for cold weather. Made with tender chunks of beef and a variety of colorful vegetables, this recipe is not only filling but also packed with nutrients. The aromatic blend of herbs and spices adds a depth of flavor that makes this stew even more delectable.
This recipe calls for a selection of ingredients that are mostly pantry staples. However, one item you might need to pick up from the supermarket is a chuck roast. Chuck roast is a cut of beef that's known for its rich flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked. Another ingredient to note is the Yukon potatoes. Yukon potatoes have a buttery, rich flavor and a creamy texture that holds up well in stews.
Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Ingredients
Chuck roast: Used for its rich flavor and tender texture when slow cooked.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef and vegetables.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the stew.
Flour: Helps to thicken the stew.
Unsalted butter: Adds a rich flavor to the stew and helps in browning the beef.
Canola oil: Used for searing the beef.
Yellow onion: Gives a sweet and savory flavor to the stew.
Garlic: Adds a robust flavor to the stew.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the stew.
Yukon potatoes: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Corn: Adds sweetness and texture to the stew.
Beef broth: Forms the base of the stew, providing a rich flavor.
Tomato paste: Adds a tangy flavor and helps thicken the stew.
Bay leaf: Infuses the stew with a subtle herbal flavor.
Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory flavor of the stew.
Green beans: Adds a slight crunch and vibrant color.
Green peas: Adds a sweet flavor and bright color.
One reader, Georgeanna Stewart says:
This hearty vegetable beef stew recipe is a game-changer! The tender beef and flavorful vegetables create a comforting and satisfying meal. The rich broth and perfect blend of seasonings make it a family favorite. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, wholesome stew.
Techniques Required for Making Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew
Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 325 degrees F to ensure it is at the correct temperature for cooking the stew.
Season the beef: Sprinkle the beef chunks with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
Dredge the beef: Coat the seasoned beef chunks with flour to help thicken the stew and create a flavorful crust when browning.
Brown the beef: Cook the beef in batches in a large Dutch oven until it is browned on all sides, which adds rich flavor to the stew.
Caramelize the vegetables: Cook the onions, garlic, and carrots until they are slightly browned and caramelized, adding depth of flavor to the stew.
Add the vegetables and broth: Combine the potatoes, corn, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce in the Dutch oven to create the base of the stew.
Cook in the oven: Cover the Dutch oven and cook the stew in the oven for 2 hours and 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
Add the green beans and peas: Incorporate the green beans and peas into the stew for the final 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they are tender but still vibrant in color and flavor.
Remove the bay leaf: Discard the bay leaf before serving the stew to prevent anyone from accidentally consuming it.
How To Make Vegetable Beef Stew
To make this vegetable beef stew, tender cuts of beef are seared and then baked with veggies like potatoes, carrots, and beans, as well as herbs and spices.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3lbschuck roast,cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspblack pepper,coarse ground
- 2tbspflour
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- 2tbspcanola oil
- ½yellow onion,chopped
- 4cloves garlic,minced
- 2carrots,cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2Yukon potatoes,chopped
- 1cupcorn
- 4cupsbeef broth
- ¼cuptomato paste
- 1bay leaf
- 1tspthyme
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 1cupgreen beans,(fresh or frozen)
- 1cupfrozen green peas
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and season the beef chunks with salt and pepper before dredging in flour.
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Put the butter and canola oil in a large dutch oven on medium heat and brown the beef on all sides in batches. This should take about 3 4 minutes per batch.
-
Remove the last batch of the beef and add in the onions, garlic and carrots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly caramelized, before adding the potatoes and corn in along with the broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme and Worcestershire sauce and stirring to combine.
-
Add the beef back into the pot, cover and cook in the oven for 2 hours and 30 minutes, then add in the green beans and peas for the last 30 minutes before removing from the oven.
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Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 401.30kcal
- Fat: 16.07g
- Saturated Fat: 5.85g
- Trans Fat: 0.55g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.30g
- Carbohydrates: 24.09g
- Fiber: 3.86g
- Sugar: 5.93g
- Protein: 42.19g
- Cholesterol: 116.49mg
- Sodium: 703.80mg
- Calcium: 63.83mg
- Potassium: 1424.49mg
- Iron: 6.29mg
- Vitamin A: 176.51µg
- Vitamin C: 24.72mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew
When browning the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the meat to sear properly, creating a rich, caramelized crust that adds depth of flavor to the stew. If the pan is too crowded, the beef will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful stew.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Stew Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a slow cooker: Consider using a slow cooker to simmer the stew while you attend to other tasks.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a one-pot recipe to minimize cleanup and save time on dishwashing.
Frozen veggies: Utilize frozen vegetables to skip the prep work and save time without sacrificing flavor.
Pressure cooker: Utilize a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time for the beef stew.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient future meals.
Pre-cut meat: Purchase pre-cut beef to eliminate the need for trimming and cutting, saving valuable time.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe
Chuck roast - Substitute with beef stew meat: Beef stew meat is a good substitute for chuck roast as it is also a tough cut of meat that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly in a stew.
Canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil in this recipe as it has a similar neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions as they have a similar flavor profile and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
Yukon potatoes - Substitute with Russet potatoes: Russet potatoes can be used as a substitute for Yukon potatoes in this recipe as they have a similar texture and will hold up well in the stew.
Beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth in this recipe to make it vegetarian-friendly while still providing a rich and flavorful base for the stew.
Worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce to add a savory and umami flavor to the stew.
Green beans - Substitute with snap peas: Snap peas can be used as a substitute for green beans as they have a similar crunch and sweetness, adding a different texture to the stew.
Frozen green peas - Substitute with canned peas: Canned peas can be used as a substitute for frozen green peas in this recipe as they are already cooked and can be added directly to the stew.
Best Way to Present This Hearty Stew
Elevate the plating: When presenting the hearty vegetable beef stew, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful array of vegetables and tender beef chunks.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor to the stew.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the presentation, such as a delicate parmesan crisp or a small cluster of crispy fried shallots, to provide a textural contrast to the hearty stew.
Highlight the star ingredients: Arrange the vegetables and beef in an artful manner, ensuring that each component is showcased prominently. This will draw attention to the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
Use complementary dinnerware: Select elegant, high-quality dinnerware that complements the rustic charm of the stew. Opt for earthy tones or classic white plates to allow the vibrant colors of the stew to stand out.
Create a focal point: Arrange the stew in a way that creates a focal point on the plate, perhaps by placing the beef pieces in the center and arranging the vegetables around them in a visually appealing manner.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to allow the dish to breathe visually. Avoid overcrowding the plate and let the stew take center stage.
Add a finishing touch: Before serving, drizzle a swirl of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the stew to impart a glossy sheen and enhance the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Vegetable Beef Stew
- Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for slow-cooking stews and braises.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping and turning meat and vegetables while cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients in a pot or pan.
- Oven: Used for slow-cooking the stew at a consistent temperature.
- Stove: Provides heat for browning meat and sautéing vegetables.
- Can opener: For opening cans of ingredients like tomato paste or corn.
- Kitchen timer: Helps keep track of cooking times and ensures the stew is cooked to perfection.
- Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot pots and pans from the oven.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures the beef is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
- Colander: Used for draining and rinsing ingredients like canned beans or vegetables.
- Peeler: For peeling the skin off vegetables like potatoes and carrots.
Storing and Freezing Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew
Allow the beef stew to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage and freezer burn.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the stew even more delicious the next day.
When reheating refrigerated stew, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to maintain food safety.
To freeze the stew for longer storage:
- Divide the cooled stew into portion-sized, freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to minimize freezer burn.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer for more efficient storage and quicker thawing.
Beef stew can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. However, the potatoes and carrots may become slightly softer after thawing due to their high water content.
To thaw frozen stew, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw the stew in the microwave using the defrost setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even thawing.
Reheat thawed stew in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may need to add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency if the stew has thickened during storage.
How To Reheat Leftover Stew
The best way to reheat leftover hearty vegetable beef stew is to use a saucepan on the stovetop. Simply transfer the desired amount of stew into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the beef and vegetables are heated through evenly without overcooking or drying out.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the desired amount of stew in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the stew, as this can cause the beef to become tough and the vegetables to become mushy.
If you have a lot of leftover stew, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the stew to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat it for about 20-30 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method is particularly useful if you want to reheat a large quantity of stew at once.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to stir the stew well before serving to distribute the heat evenly and ensure that all the ingredients are heated through. You can also add a splash of beef broth or water if the stew seems too thick or dry after reheating.
Lastly, if you want to get creative with your leftover stew, consider repurposing it into a new dish. For example, you could use the stew as a filling for a savory pie or as a topping for a hearty shepherd's pie. You could also serve the reheated stew over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Interesting Fact About Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew
The beef in this stew is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, the vegetables in the stew provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a nutritious and hearty meal.
Is Making Vegetable Beef Stew at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this hearty vegetable beef stew recipe is quite high. The use of affordable ingredients like chuck roast, potatoes, and carrots makes it a budget-friendly option for a household. With a balance of meat and vegetables, it offers a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe would be around $25, making it an economical choice for a wholesome dinner. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Healthy?
The hearty vegetable beef stew recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that incorporates a variety of healthy ingredients. The recipe includes lean protein from the chuck roast, which is an excellent source of iron and vitamin B12. The vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, corn, green beans, and peas, provide a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of herbs and spices like thyme and garlic adds flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of butter and canola oil used for browning the beef to lower the overall fat content
- Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the dish's salt content
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables to boost the nutrient density of the stew
- Consider using whole wheat flour for dredging the beef to add more fiber to the recipe
To further enhance the nutritional value of this hearty vegetable beef stew, you could:
- Add more leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, during the last few minutes of cooking to increase the vitamin and mineral content
- Include additional root vegetables like parsnips or turnips to provide more complex carbohydrates and fiber
- Experiment with different lean protein sources, such as turkey or chicken, for a lower-fat alternative to beef
- Serve the stew with a side of whole grain bread or quinoa to complement the dish with additional fiber and protein
Editor's Opinion on This Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe
This hearty vegetable beef stew recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish. The combination of tender chuck roast, flavorful vegetables, and savory broth creates a rich and hearty stew. The cooking method ensures the beef is succulent and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. The addition of thyme and Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor, while the green beans and peas bring a pop of color and freshness. Overall, this stew is a classic and delicious comfort food that is sure to warm the soul.
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Why trust this Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe:
This hearty vegetable beef stew recipe is crafted with care and expertise, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The succulent chuck roast is seared to perfection, infusing the stew with rich, savory flavors. Fresh carrots, potatoes, and green beans provide wholesome goodness, while the aromatic blend of thyme and bay leaf adds depth to every spoonful. With high-quality beef broth and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, this stew promises a symphony of tastes. Trust in this recipe to deliver a comforting, nourishing meal that will warm your soul.
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