Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of comfort? Dive into the rich, hearty flavors of our Harvest Vegetable Beef Stew, a classic American dish that promises to be the star of your dinner table! With tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth that simmers for hours, this stew is not just a meal—it's an experience. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this recipe yields a generous 8 servings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Read on to discover how to create this delectable dish that will have your loved ones asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and cube the potatoes. Trim the green beans and set all the vegetables aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed beef chuck in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
- Return the browned beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and trimmed green beans. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are fully submerged. Add 1 teaspoon of thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to distribute the seasoning.
- Increase the heat to bring the stew to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Allow the stew to cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- After 2 hours, check the beef for tenderness; it should be fork-tender. If the beef is not yet tender, continue to simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes as needed. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Once the stew is ready, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even further.
- Serve the Harvest Vegetable Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying dish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For the best flavor and tenderness, opt for beef chuck. It becomes wonderfully tender after slow cooking and adds a rich depth to your stew.
- Brown the Meat Properly: Don’t rush the browning process! Take your time to brown the beef in batches. This step develops a deep, rich flavor that enhances the entire dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables. They not only taste better but also add vibrant color to your stew.
- Let It Simmer: Patience is key! Allow the stew to simmer for at least 2 hours. This slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully and ensures the beef is fork-tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: After cooking, taste your stew before serving. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick!
- Make It Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Consider making it ahead of time and reheating it for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your stew with crusty bread or serve it over a bed of rice for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
