This hearty beef stew with rice is a warm hug in a bowl! It features tender beef, fresh veggies, and flavorful broth, all served over fluffy rice for an extra comforting touch.
Every time I make this stew, the whole house smells amazing. I can’t help but sneak a taste before it’s even ready—it’s just that good! Perfect for cozy nights in!
I love how easy this dish is to make! Just throw everything in one pot and let it simmer. The result is a delicious meal that makes weekends feel extra special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stewing because it’s tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for something leaner, you could try using sirloin or brisket instead. Just remember that they might not be as tender after long cooking.
Vegetable Oil: While I use vegetable oil for browning the beef, olive oil works well too. If you want a richer flavor, consider using butter, but be cautious as it has a lower smoke point.
Onion: Onions add a sweet base flavor. Yellow or sweet onions are my favorites. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or even leeks can be good substitutions!
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is always great, but store-bought is just fine. For a lighter option, use chicken broth or vegetable broth, but the stew will change in flavor.
Rice: I often use long-grain white rice, but brown rice or jasmine rice are excellent alternatives. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary!
How Can I Ensure My Beef is Tender and Flavorful?
To achieve tender beef in your stew, the browning process is crucial. Browning releases flavorful compounds that enrich the dish. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Heat your pot well before adding oil and beef.
- Don’t crowd the beef; cook in batches if necessary. This helps with browning!
- Once the beef is browned, low and slow cooking is key to tenderizing. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours and let it work its magic!
Remember to taste along the way! Adjusting seasoning can make a big difference in flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Rice for This Dish?
Cooking rice perfectly complements your stew. Here’s how to do it:
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch; this keeps your rice from getting gummy.
- Bring water and a bit of butter or oil to a boil, which adds flavor.
- Once the rice is in, reduce the heat and keep it covered while it cooks. This way, it steams properly!
- After 15-20 minutes, check if the water is absorbed. Let it sit covered for another 5 minutes before fluffing. This helps in achieving that perfect texture!
Now you’re all set to enjoy a warm, delightful bowl of beef stew with rice!
How to Make Beef Stew with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, halved or quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Rice:
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups water (for rice)
- 1 tbsp butter or oil (for rice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This beef stew with rice requires about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 2 hours of cooking time. This means you’ll have around 2 hours and 15 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious, cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef in batches and brown all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
3. Add Flavor:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. This step is important for achieving a rich base for your stew!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, mushrooms, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together.
5. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This will allow the beef to become tender and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you like a thicker stew, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the pot during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking and simmer until thickened.
7. Prepare the Rice:
While the stew simmers, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1 tbsp butter or oil to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
8. Final Touches:
Once the stew is finished, remove the bay leaf and taste to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Fluff the rice with a fork once it’s cooked.
9. Serve Your Dish:
Serve the hot beef stew alongside the fluffy rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation and a pop of freshness!
Enjoy your comforting bowl of beef stew with fluffy rice! It’s a delightful meal to warm both the heart and the soul!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its flavor and tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut.
How Can I Thicken the Stew Without Flour?
If you want to avoid flour, try using cornstarch instead! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also let the stew simmer uncovered for longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
How Do I Store Leftover Beef Stew?
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If it thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating.
Can I Freeze This Beef Stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove or in the microwave.
