Name: One-Pot Easy Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or round, cut into 1-inch cubes); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh if preferred); 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version); 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening); Fresh parsley, chopped

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One-Pot Easy Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. With tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and a savory broth, this stew is both filling and flavorful. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers rich, delicious flavors in just over an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pot beef stew is the definition of comfort food. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the vegetables soak up all the rich, flavorful broth. The combination of garlic, onions, and herbs adds depth and warmth, while the potatoes make the stew hearty and filling. The simplicity of this recipe means you can throw everything together and let it cook, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

One-Pot Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb beef stew meat, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the beef on all sides for 4-5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes, stirring to combine.
Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the stew simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Thicken the stew (optional): If you’d like to thicken the stew, whisk 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the stew thickens.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with warm bread or rolls.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add other vegetables: You can add parsnips, turnips, or peas to the stew for extra flavor and texture.
Make it spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the stew a little heat.
Use different meat: If you prefer, you can substitute the beef with lamb, turkey, or even chicken thighs for a different twist.
Herb variations: Add rosemary or a bay leaf to enhance the herb flavor, or use fresh herbs if available.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make it in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the liquids and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.

Can I use frozen beef stew meat?

You can use frozen beef stew meat, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can cook it from frozen, just be sure to cook it for an extra 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can I use other types of broth?

Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your preferences or what you have on hand.

How do I know when the stew is done?

The stew is done when the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork, and the vegetables are soft but not mushy. If you want it thicker, simmer it uncovered for 10-15 more minutes.

Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, this stew freezes very well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I add more potatoes to this recipe?

Yes, you can add more potatoes for extra heartiness. Simply increase the quantity to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

One-Pot Easy Beef Stew is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s simple to make and full of rich, savory flavors. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth come together to create a classic meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a make-ahead meal, this stew is sure to warm your soul and fill you up!