Beef Stew With Baby Potatoes and Carrots

Name: Beef Stew With Baby Potatoes and Carrots
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 lb baby potatoes, halved; 3 carrots, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Savor the hearty and comforting flavors of our Beef Stew with Baby Potatoes and Carrots. A perfect dish for cozy gatherings or a family dinner.

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:40:53.902Z

This Beef Stew with Baby Potatoes and Carrots is a family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings. The rich flavors meld together beautifully, making it a dish that warms both heart and home.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender beef that falls apart with a fork
Hearty vegetables that soak up the rich broth
A one-pot wonder that's perfect for leftovers

      

A Comforting Classic

Beef stew has long been a beloved dish, cherished for its warming qualities and rich flavors. It's the perfect meal to serve on a chilly evening or during family gatherings. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth creates a dish that feels like a warm embrace. With every spoonful, you’ll experience the comforting essence of home-cooked goodness, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations.

One of the best aspects of beef stew is its versatility. While this recipe features baby potatoes and carrots, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables. Consider adding peas, mushrooms, or even parsnips to enhance the flavor profile. This adaptability allows you to tailor the dish to your family's preferences, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.

Perfect for Leftovers

One of the many advantages of making beef stew is that it often tastes even better the next day. As the stew sits, the flavors meld together, resulting in a richer and more robust taste. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or for those busy weekdays when you need a quick and satisfying meal. Simply reheat the leftovers, and you'll have a delicious dinner ready in minutes.

To store leftover beef stew, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency, and enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Serving Suggestions

Beef stew is a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. For a classic combination, serve it with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the savory broth. A fresh green salad can also provide a light contrast to the richness of the stew, adding a refreshing element to your meal.

If you're looking for something a bit different, consider serving your beef stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. This not only elevates the dish but also makes it even more filling and satisfying. No matter how you choose to serve it, beef stew is sure to please everyone's palate.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb baby potatoes, halved
3 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in carrots and baby potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the browned beef back to the pot. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 hours or until the beef is tender.

Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Beef Stew

To achieve the best flavor and texture, choose quality beef chuck. This cut is well-marbled, which means it contains fat that will render down during cooking, resulting in tender, juicy meat. Avoid lean cuts, as they can become tough and dry in the stew.

Browning the beef before adding it to the pot is a crucial step. This process develops a deeper flavor and adds complexity to the dish. Be sure to not overcrowd the pot when browning; work in batches if necessary for an even sear.

Nutritional Benefits

Beef stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The beef provides a great source of protein and essential vitamins, helping to support muscle health and overall wellness. The vegetables contribute vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber, making the stew a wholesome option for a balanced meal.

Additionally, the use of herbs and spices, such as thyme and garlic, adds flavor without extra calories, enhancing the dish's nutritional profile. This makes your beef stew not just comfort food, but a nourishing choice for any meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use brisket or round, but chuck is ideal for stewing.

→ How can I thicken the stew?

You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Peas, green beans, or even mushrooms work great in this stew.

→ Is this stew freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.