When the weather starts to get a bit chilly, I often find myself wanting something warm and filling for dinner. For me, nothing beats a good beef stew. It’s the kind of comfort food that just makes you feel cozy inside.
Today, I’m excited to share two of my favorite easy beef stew recipes. Whether you like yours with classic vegetables or a hearty scoop of rice, I have something here that you’re going to love making and eating.
Jump to Recipe:
Classic Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes: A Comfort Food Favorite
This beef stew is a timeless dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. It’s packed with tender beef, soft carrots, and hearty potatoes, all in a rich, delicious sauce.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Perfect Beef Stew
- Choose Your Beef: For the most tender beef stew, always use chuck roast. It breaks down nicely during long cooking and soaks up all the flavors.
- Brown the Meat: Do not skip searing the beef first. This step adds a lot of deep flavor to your stew, making the sauce even more delicious.
What You Need for Beef Stew with Carrots Potatoes
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 2 hours 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Stew Base
Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
Step 3: Simmer and Finish
Return the beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Add carrots and potatoes, then continue to simmer for another 45-60 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beef is very soft. Remove bay leaves before serving.
📝 Final Note
This beef stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to blend. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Hearty Beef Stew with Rice for a Complete Meal
This version of beef stew offers a complete meal in one pot, with tender beef and vegetables cooked right alongside fluffy rice. It’s a great option for a satisfying family dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Delicious Beef Stew with Rice
- Choosing Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here because it cooks evenly and doesn’t get too sticky. You can rinse it before adding to make it even fluffier.
- Adjusting Liquid: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can reduce the amount of beef broth slightly. For a thinner stew, add a little extra broth or water.
What You Need for Beef Stew with Rice
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
⏱️ Time: 2 hours🍽️ Yields: 5 servings
How to Make Beef Stew with Rice
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then remove from the pot. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until soft, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic, cook for 1 minute more.
Step 2: Simmer the Stew
Return the beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, smoked paprika, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
Step 3: Add Rice and Finish
Stir in the uncooked rice. Bring the stew back to a simmer, then cover and cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. If the stew seems too thick, you can add a little more broth.
📝 Final Note
For an extra bit of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the stew just before serving. It adds a nice color and a subtle fresh taste.
