One Pot Hearty Beef Stew

When the weather turns chilly or you just crave something warm and comforting, this One Pot Hearty Beef Stew is the answer. It’s a rich, flavorful, and soul-satisfying meal packed with tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a thick, savory broth—all simmered together in one pot for easy cleanup and big flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One Pot Wonder – Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
Deep, Savory Flavor – Slow-cooked beef and aromatic vegetables create the perfect stew base.
Meal Prep Friendly – Makes a large batch that tastes even better the next day.
Freezer Ready – Perfect for stocking up your freezer with homemade comfort food.
Customizable – Easy to add your favorite vegetables or herbs.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (adds depth)
• 1 tsp brown sugar (balances the acidity)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup frozen peas (add at the end for freshness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Tools You’ll Need

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Ladle for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add half the beef in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef, adding more oil as needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Lower heat to medium and add chopped onions to the pot.
2. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Build the Stew Base

1. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
2. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes, stirring to combine.
3. Return the seared beef and any juices to the pot.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings

1. Pour in beef broth and water until everything is just covered.
2. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Cover and simmer gently for 2 to 2½ hours, or until beef is fork-tender and the flavors are well developed.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. If using peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
2. Remove bay leaves before serving.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve with warm crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.

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Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew
Brown the Beef – Don’t skip this step! It builds deep, rich flavor.
Simmer Low & Slow – This makes the meat tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Don’t Rush It – Stews taste better with time. Let it simmer for the full duration.
Thicken the Broth – For a thicker stew, remove the lid for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Make It Ahead – Stew is even more delicious the next day after the flavors have settled.

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Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up that rich broth.
Mashed Potatoes – Spoon the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Buttered Noodles – Another cozy pairing that works well.
Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.

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How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let the stew cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast works beautifully. You can also use brisket or even boneless short ribs.

2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Definitely. After browning the beef and sautéing aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

3. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to coat the beef, and make sure your broth and soy sauce are gluten-free.

4. Can I add wine for extra flavor?
Yes, you can add ½ cup of grape juice plus 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar instead of red wine to keep it alcohol-free but still rich.

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Final Thoughts
This One Pot Hearty Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food. With simple ingredients, a little patience, and one big pot, you’ll have a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this stew is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Give it a try and share your own twist on it—I’d love to hear how you make it yours!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 34g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 600mg

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