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One Pot Beef Stew Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Name: One Pot Beef Stew Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 pounds beef stew cubes, cut into 1-inch pieces; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth or vegetable stock; 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 bay leaves; 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 6 medium carrots, roughly chopped; 2 celery stalks, sliced into rounds; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Kelly Blackford January 30, 2025

Servings: 8 Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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One-pot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. To elevate your meal, pairing it with the right sides can make all the difference. Start with a loaf of fresh, crusty bread.

Sourdough or a baguette works wonders, offering the perfect texture for soaking up that rich, beefy broth. Tearing off a piece and dipping it into the stew is like a warm hug for your taste buds, and the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly.

For an extra dose of comfort, creamy mashed potatoes are a must. Buttery, smooth Yukon Gold potatoes create a delightful contrast to the chunks of meat and vegetables in the stew. Drizzling some of the stew’s rich broth over the potatoes takes it to a whole new level of flavor.

A fresh, crunchy green salad is another great side to complement the richness of the stew.

A mix of greens like arugula, spinach, or romaine, along with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette, adds brightness and freshness that balances out the hearty stew while giving you a healthy boost.

Finally, consider adding roasted vegetables to your plate. Carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted until caramelized, offer a burst of earthy sweetness.

Their vibrant flavors and textures pair beautifully with the savory tones of the beef stew, making for a truly satisfying meal.

What is One Pot Beef Stew?

One pot beef stew is a savory and hearty dish that’s prepared in one single pot, bringing together tender chunks of beef, assorted vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Traditionally, you begin by browning the meat to develop flavor, followed by adding other ingredients to simmer together.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine the taste. The beef is succulent, infused with a depth of flavor from the herbs, spices, and mirepoix (a fancy term for the aromatic vegetable trio of onions, carrots, and celery).

As you take a spoonful, the richness of the broth envelops your tongue, while the veggies add crunch and earthiness. It’s a perfect marriage of comforting components. Each bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Why This Recipe Works

So, why should you consider making this one pot beef stew? Here are a few compelling reasons:

1. Simple Preparation
The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity. You’re throwing ingredients into one pot, cutting down on prep and cleanup time. Busy lives call for straightforward cooking. It’s all about convenience!

2. Flavor Development
Browning the beef before adding the other ingredients creates a rich base for the stew. The Maillard reaction, in culinary terms, happens when you sear the meat, developing those deep flavors. It’s a step you can’t skip!

3. Nutrition in a Bowl
This dish packs a punch in terms of nutrition. Using a dexterous blend of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, it serves as a well-rounded meal. The addition of vegetables provides color and essential nutrients, making it a winner for both health and taste.

4. Leftovers for Days
With just one pot, you can make enough stew to feed a crowd or have leftovers for days. It’s even better the next day when all the flavors meld together. Just imagine a weeknight where dinner is already taken care of. Stress? What stress?

Ingredients for One Pot Beef Stew

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 pounds beef stew cubes, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup tomato paste
4 cups beef broth or vegetable stock
2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 bay leaves
1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and diced
6 medium carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, sliced into rounds
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, do a little mise en place. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Peel and dice the potatoes. Having everything ready to go makes cooking a breeze. There’s nothing worse than fumbling for ingredients mid-cook!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.

Brown them on all sides. This step normally takes around 6-8 minutes. When the meat is deep brown, remove it to a plate, and don’t forget to save those glorious brown bits at the bottom!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Throw in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The smells wafting from your pot will make you feel right at home!

Step 4: Flour And Flavor

Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring to combine. Take a moment to soak in that moment—the transformation is just beginning. This flour thickens the stew when cooking. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned.

Step 5: Build the Broth

Pour in the beef broth slowly, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all those delicious browned bits. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Now, it’s starting to come together.

Step 6: Add the Beef Back

Return the browned beef to the pot, making sure it’s nestled among the broth and spices. This isn’t just a dish; it’s a beautiful union of flavors waiting to be released.

Step 7: Stir in the Vegetables

Add the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Give it a gentle stir, ensuring everything is submerged in the broth.

Step 8: Simmer

Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5-2 hours. You want the beef to be fork-tender and have the flavors deepen. You can clean up now or maybe take a quick nap—your call!

Step 9: Season and Serve

Check the seasoning before serving. A dash more salt or pepper can elevate the stew. Remove the bay leaves—don’t serve those! Serve it hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. It’s like adding the cherry on top!

Notes

Browning the Meat: Take your time when browning the meat. It develops flavor.
Thickening: If your stew needs thickening at the end, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, add it in, and simmer for a few more minutes.
Skimming Fat: Skim any excess fat from the top before serving for a lighter finish.
Slow Cooker Option: This recipe can easily be adapted to a slow cooker. Just follow the same steps and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
Herb Variations: Feel free to mix up the herbs. Fresh parsley or rosemary can add a delightful twist.

How to Store the Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months. Just make sure to allow it to cool fully before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.

Alternative Choices for Ingredients

Sometimes, life happens, and you might not have all the ingredients on hand. Here are some substitutes you can use:

1. Meat Alternatives
If you’re low on beef, you could use lamb or pork for a unique flavor twist.

2. Broth Options
Don’t have beef broth? Vegetable stock or chicken broth can work just as well. You might lose some depth but gain a lighter profile.

3. Vegetable Swaps
Feel free to switch up the veggies. Turnips, parsnips, or even green beans could replace or supplement potatoes, carrots, and celery.

4. Flour Alternatives
If you want to keep it gluten-free, use a gluten-free blend instead of all-purpose flour. It will still help thicken the stew.

Conclusion

One pot beef stew isn’t just a dinner option; it’s an experience. From the first chop to the last spoonful, it’s a journey through heartwarming flavors and nostalgic memories. This dish nourishes both body and soul.

Whether you’re gathering around a table with family or savoring a cozy night in, this stew fosters connection and comfort. So roll up your sleeves, grab your pot, and let the magic unfold. You’ll be crafting your own delicious memories in no time!

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Print Recipe

One Pot Beef Stew Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Author: Kelly Blackford Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 286 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Growing up in a cozy kitchen, lofty expectations came with mealtime. My family valued hearty meals—especially when the weather turned chilly. Notably, one pot beef stew was a staple at our dinners.

The warmth of the dish wrapped around us like a cozy blanket while we shared stories and laughter. Fast forward to today, and I’ve taken those memories to heart, crafting a recipe that brings those family moments back to life.

Whether on a cold winter's night or when friends gather for a casual weeknight dinner, one pot beef stew is my go-to dish. It’s a one-pot wonder that saves on cleanup while delivering deep, rich flavors.

It's a comforting meal that speaks to the soul, created from simple ingredients and a sprinkling of love.