Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes
Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes is a classic comfort dish featuring tender beef chuck roast simmered slowly with sweet carrots, creamy potatoes, and aromatic herbs in a rich beef broth. This one-pot meal is simple to prepare, nourishing, and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping, providing a hearty and satisfying flavor in every bite.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour is used)
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into evenly sized chunks
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut beef into evenly sized chunks. Peel and slice carrots, cube potatoes, and finely chop onion and garlic to ensure even cooking and flavor melding.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Pat beef dry and brown in batches until a golden crust forms, locking in flavor and adding depth to the stew.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove beef and add chopped onions and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, building a savory base for the stew.
- Add Flour and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle flour over the softened veggies and stir well. Blend in tomato paste and cook for about a minute to deepen flavor and help thicken the stew.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Gradually pour in beef broth while scraping the pot bottom to lift browned bits. Return browned beef to the pot, add bay leaves and thyme, then simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until meat is tender.
- Add Vegetables: About 30 minutes before serving, add carrots and potatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing vegetables to cook through while maintaining their shape and color.
- Final Touches: Once vegetables are tender and stew has thickened slightly, remove bay leaves. Stir gently and the hearty Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes is ready to serve.
Notes
- Brown meat thoroughly for enhanced caramelized flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for a bright aroma.
- Cook low and slow to tenderize beef and blend flavors well.
- Add vegetables later to keep their texture and vibrant color.
- Adjust stew thickness by simmering uncovered or adding broth as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: beef stew, comfort food, carrots, potatoes, one-pot meal, hearty stew, slow-cooked beef, winter recipe