There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a rich, bubbling beef stew filling your kitchen on a chilly evening. This Beef Stew with carrots and potatoes transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming masterpiece that brings families together around the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a cozy weekend meal, this hearty stew delivers incredible flavor with surprisingly little effort.
Imagine tender chunks of beef melting in your mouth, perfectly cooked carrots that still have a gentle bite, and creamy potatoes that soak up every drop of the savory broth. This isn’t just dinner – it’s a warm hug in a bowl that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes
Effortlessly delicious – Once you get everything in the pot, it practically cooks itself while filling your home with incredible aromas
Perfect flavor balance – The sweetness of carrots complements the earthiness of potatoes and rich, savory beef
Incredibly flexible – Swap vegetables based on what’s in your fridge or add your favorite herbs and spices
Ideal for any occasion – Perfect for casual family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal fuss
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The beauty of this Beef Stew with carrots and potatoes lies in its simplicity. You’ll want to choose a tougher cut of beef like chuck roast or stew meat – these cuts become incredibly tender during the slow cooking process and won’t break the bank. Fresh vegetables are key here, as they hold their shape better than frozen alternatives and provide the best texture contrast.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes (chuck roast has the perfect fat content for tender, flavorful stew)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (creates a beautiful, thick broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil for browning)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (sweet onions work great too)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but 1 tsp garlic powder works)
- 4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces (baby carrots work in a pinch)
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed (holds shape better than russets)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (adds great depth of flavor)
For the Broth & Seasonings:
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred so you can control salt)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (adds rich umami flavor)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (secret ingredient for depth)
Equipment & Tools
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Small bowl for flour coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Beef (5 minutes)
Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for good browning. In a small bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef cubes in this mixture until evenly coated. You’ll notice the flour helps create that gorgeous golden crust we’re after.
2. Brown the Beef (8-10 minutes)
Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the beef cubes in a single layer – don’t overcrowd! Brown each side for about 2-3 minutes until you get a beautiful golden crust. The beef should sizzle when it hits the pan. Remove beef and set aside on a plate.
Pro tip: Don’t move the beef too early – let that crust develop for maximum flavor!
3. Sauté the Aromatics (4-5 minutes)
In the same pot (don’t clean it – those brown bits are flavor gold!), add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma.
4. Build the Base (3 minutes)
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute – this deepens the flavor significantly. Add the Worcestershire sauce and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon.
5. Add Liquids and Seasonings (2 minutes)
Pour in the beef broth gradually, stirring to combine. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. The mixture should smell absolutely incredible at this point!
6. Return Beef and Simmer (1 hour)
Add the browned beef back to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. The beef should start becoming tender.
7. Add Vegetables (45 minutes)
Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Cover and continue simmering for 35-45 minutes until the vegetables are fork-tender and the beef falls apart easily.
8. Final Seasoning (2 minutes)
Remove the bay leaves and taste your stew. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. If you want a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 3 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Ingredient Swaps:
- Gluten-free: Replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Lower carb: Substitute potatoes with turnips or radishes
- Different proteins: Try lamb, pork shoulder, or even chicken thighs
Flavor Variations:
- Herb lovers: Add fresh parsley, oregano, or a sprig of fresh rosemary
- Wine enhancement: Replace 1 cup of broth with red wine for deeper flavor
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika
Troubleshooting:
- Stew too thin? Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last 10 minutes
- Beef still tough? Continue cooking – some cuts need extra time to break down
- Vegetables mushy? Add them later in the cooking process next time
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Stew with carrots and potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious accompaniments:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up that amazing broth
- Simple side salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Cornbread for a Southern twist
- Red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec pairs beautifully
For a cozy family dinner, serve this alongside some easy Thanksgiving fall cupcakes for a perfect autumn meal that everyone will remember.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 3-4 days in covered containers
- Freezer: Stores beautifully for up to 3 months (potatoes may change texture slightly)
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare the entire stew up to 2 days in advance – the flavors actually improve!
- Brown the beef and prep vegetables the night before for quicker assembly
- Freeze portions in individual containers for easy weeknight meals
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between
- Oven: Cover and reheat at 325°F for 20-25 minutes
The stew may thicken when cold – just add a splash of broth when reheating.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 6):
- Calories: Approximately 385
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
This hearty stew provides excellent protein for muscle maintenance and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. The vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, making this a well-balanced, nutritious meal that supports your healthy lifestyle habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a slow cooker for this beef stew?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add potatoes during the last 2 hours to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What’s the best cut of beef for stew?
Chuck roast is ideal because it has enough fat and connective tissue to become incredibly tender. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin – they’ll become tough and dry.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, parsnips, turnips, or green beans all work wonderfully. Add harder vegetables with the carrots and potatoes, and softer ones during the last 15 minutes.
Why is my stew meat tough?
The meat needs more cooking time. Tough cuts require slow, gentle cooking to break down the connective tissues. Keep simmering until fork-tender.
Can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just ensure your beef broth doesn’t contain any dairy ingredients.
How do I thicken my stew without flour?
Try mashing a few potato pieces against the side of the pot, or use cornstarch mixed with cold water. You can also simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid naturally.
Perfect for Cozy Gatherings
This Beef Stew with carrots and potatoes is more than just a meal – it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for the perfect dish to warm up after fun fall activities, this stew delivers every time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability. Even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results, while experienced home chefs will appreciate how the basic recipe serves as a canvas for creative variations. It’s the kind of dish that makes your house smell like home and creates lasting memories around the dinner table.
For those busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this stew is your answer. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other meaningful activities while dinner practically makes itself.
Conclusion
This Beef Stew with carrots and potatoes proves that the best comfort foods don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. With tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this stew delivers satisfaction in every spoonful.
The recipe’s flexibility means you can adapt it to your family’s preferences, dietary needs, or whatever vegetables you have on hand. Whether you’re batch cooking for the week ahead or creating a special meal for loved ones, this stew will quickly become a cherished recipe in your collection.
Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients, heat up that Dutch oven, and prepare to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas. Your family will thank you, and you’ll have a reliable, delicious meal that never goes out of style.
Don’t forget to pair this hearty meal with some cozy fall activities for the perfect seasonal experience. Happy cooking!
