Description
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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Ingredients
For the Stew:
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2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
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3 celery stalks, chopped
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried rosemary
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2 bay leaves
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4 cups low-sodium beef broth
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1 cup water
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1 tbsp soy sauce (adds depth)
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1 tsp brown sugar (balances the acidity)
Optional Add-ins:
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1 cup frozen peas (add at the end for freshness)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
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In a large mixing bowl, toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Add half the beef in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
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Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef, adding more oil as needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
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Lower heat to medium and add chopped onions to the pot.
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Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
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Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Build the Stew Base
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Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
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Add carrots, celery, and potatoes, stirring to combine.
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Return the seared beef and any juices to the pot.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
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Pour in beef broth and water until everything is just covered.
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Add soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
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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
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If using peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Remove bay leaves before serving.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
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Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
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Serve with warm crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American