Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty beef and vegetable stew. Packed with tender chunks of ranch-raised beef and fresh vegetables, this stew is perfect for chilly days or when you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs. ranch-raised beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved

• 1 cup frozen peas

For the Broth:

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp rosemary

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Beef:

1. Heat the Olive Oil:

• In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Brown the Beef:

• Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot in batches and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the Carrots and Celery:

• Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Build the Stew:

1. Deglaze the Pot:

• Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

2. Combine Ingredients:

• Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and potatoes. Stir well to combine.

3. Simmer:

• Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

4. Add Final Vegetables:

• Stir in the green beans and frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Serve:

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:

• Remove the bay leaf and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

2. Serve Hot:

• Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or warm biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth.

• Pair with a green salad for a lighter side dish.

• Add a glass of red wine to complete the meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 350

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Fat: 14g

Conclusion

This hearty beef and vegetable stew is a true comfort food classic, perfect for warming up on cold days or feeding a hungry crowd. The combination of tender ranch-raised beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth makes it as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this recipe is sure to please.