If you are longing for a soul-warming, deeply satisfying meal, this Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe is an absolute treasure to have in your cooking repertoire. Imagine tender chunks of beef slowly simmered to perfection alongside starchy potatoes, sweet carrots, and vibrant peas, all enveloped in a rich, savory broth that feels like a warm hug. This classic stew not only fills your kitchen with inviting aromas but also offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that comfort on a chilly day or any time you crave a comforting, robust dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this stew lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dish bursting with flavor and heartiness. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing depth, color, texture, or that unbeatable savory richness that makes the stew truly unforgettable.
- 2 pounds stewing beef: Choose tender, well-marbled beef for juicy, flavorful bites after slow cooking.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps create a light coating that crisps the beef and thickens the stew later.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic essence which deepens the flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the ingredients and season the stew perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle touch of heat and warmth.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the beef and onions, adding richness and a slightly fruity note.
- 1 onion, chopped: Onions bring natural sweetness and a savory base to the stew’s broth.
- 6 cups beef broth: The heart of the liquid, delivering deep, meaty flavors and keeping everything moist.
- ½ cup red wine (optional): Introduces complexity and brightness to the stew’s flavor profile.
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed: Adds comforting starchiness and body to the stew.
- 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces: Their natural sweetness balances the beef’s savoriness beautifully.
- 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces: Provides a fresh, slightly crisp texture that complements the softness of other vegetables.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the umami and gives the broth a rich color and tang.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 fresh sprig): Herbs elevate the stew with fragrant, earthy notes.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water: These create a slurry to thicken the stew to a luscious consistency.
- ¾ cup peas: Added at the end for a pop of sweet, fresh green and tender texture.
How to Make Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by tossing the beef cubes with all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a roomy bowl. This simple coating is key—it helps seal in the meat’s juices when searing and later thickens the stew, giving it that perfect, hearty texture you want.
Step 2: Sear the Beef and Onions
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes until they develop a golden crust. This step builds layers of flavor and texture, so take your time and let the beef really caramelize. Then add the chopped onions and cook until translucent and slightly golden, which adds a natural sweetness that balances the stew beautifully.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the beef broth along with the optional red wine, scraping any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—these bits hold incredible flavor. The wine adds a subtle richness, but if you skip it, the broth will still be delicious. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Now stir in the cubed potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary, tucking everything into that deeply savory broth. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about an hour, or until the beef is fall-apart tender. This slow cooking melds the flavors into a hearty, cohesive dish that warms the soul.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew
Mix cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry, then slowly stir it into the simmering stew. This will transform the broth into a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the stew has thickened just right.
Step 6: Add the Peas
Finally, stir in the peas during the last few minutes of cooking. The peas add a lovely fresh burst of color and a sweet crunch, lifting the stew and making it visually inviting as well as delicious.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Let the stew cool just a bit before ladling into bowls. It pairs wonderfully with crusty fresh bread or fluffy biscuits, perfect for dipping into that luscious sauce. Every mouthful is a cozy hug, guaranteed to satisfy and nourish.
How to Serve Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme brightens the rich stew with a fresh herbal note, giving it a lovely contrast in flavor and a pop of green that looks irresistible on the table.
Side Dishes
Classic rustic bread or warm biscuits are perfect for soaking up the savory juices. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles also complement this stew beautifully, turning it into an unforgettable plate of comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in deep bowls with a swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess. You can also ladle it over baked potatoes for a hearty twist, or offer a side of roasted root vegetables to boost the meal’s earthiness and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew gets better with time, so let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, flavors melding even further for a tastier next-day dish.
Freezing
Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe freezes beautifully. Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just leave out the peas if you plan to freeze the stew and add them fresh when reheating for best texture and color.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the beef or vegetables. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to refresh the consistency. Add the peas fresh if frozen separately, cooking until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe?
Absolutely! After searing the beef and onions, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender. Add the peas and cornstarch slurry towards the end to keep them fresh and to thicken.
What cut of beef works best for this stew?
Look for stewing beef or chuck roast cut into cubes. These cuts have the right amount of fat and connective tissue that break down during long cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
You can! Substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, root vegetables, and beans instead of beef. The tomato paste and herbs still create a rich, warming flavor.
Is red wine necessary in the recipe?
Red wine adds depth and complexity but is completely optional. You can skip it and simply use an equal amount of beef broth, and your stew will still taste delicious and hearty.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still have a little movement. If it’s too thin, add a bit more cornstarch slurry; if too thick, stir in extra broth or water to loosen it up.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe is the kind of dish that turns everyday dinners into memorable moments. It’s warm, nourishing, and straightforward, delivering maximum comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this stew is sure to become a beloved classic that you return to time and again. So go on, gather your ingredients and get simmering—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Hearty Beef Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting classic beef stew recipe featuring tender cubes of stewing beef simmered with potatoes, carrots, celery, and peas in a rich broth thickened with cornstarch. Perfect for a warming family meal prepared using stovetop simmering.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Base
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- ½ cup red wine (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¾ cup peas
Flavorings & Thickening
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 fresh sprig)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a bowl, toss the cubed beef with all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated to help with browning and texture.
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and chopped onions and cook until the beef is nicely browned on all sides and onions are softened, creating a flavorful base.
- Build the broth: Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot. Scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate rich flavor into the stew liquid.
- Simmer the stew: Add potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary to the pot. Stir to combine. Cover the Dutch oven and reduce heat to simmer gently for about 1 hour until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Thicken the stew: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this mixture into the simmering stew and cook for several minutes until the broth thickens to a nice gravy-like consistency.
- Add the peas: Stir in the peas during the last few minutes of cooking just to warm them through without losing color or texture.
- Serve & enjoy: Remove from heat and let the stew cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with fresh bread or biscuits for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use fresh rosemary if available.
- Red wine is optional but adds richness to the broth.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after simmering.
- Can substitute cornstarch with flour mixed in cold water for thickening.
- Leftovers store well and flavors improve overnight.
