Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that comes together in under an hour? Look no further than this mouthwatering Quick Vegetable Beef Stew! Imagine tender, juicy beef chunks swimming in a rich, flavorful broth alongside colorful, perfectly cooked vegetables – this is the ultimate comfort dish that will have your family racing to the dinner table. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend dinner, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of beef stew meat, 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and potatoes), 4 cups of beef broth, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat. Sear the meat on all sides until it is browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. This will help to lock in the flavors.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, and pour in the 4 cups of beef broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the beef to become tender.
- After 20 minutes, add the 2 cups of mixed vegetables to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the vegetables into the stew.
- Continue to simmer the stew, covered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender.
- Once cooked, taste the stew and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the vegetable beef stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your hearty meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For the most tender results, select beef stew meat with some marbling. Chuck roast works wonderfully and becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking.
- Searing is Key: Don't skip the browning step! Searing the meat creates a delicious caramelized exterior that adds depth and richness to the entire stew.
- Layer Your Flavors: Add your aromatics (onions and garlic) before the liquid to build a flavor base that will make your stew truly memorable.
- Control Your Simmer: Keep the heat low and steady. A gentle simmer helps break down the meat's tough connective tissues, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Vegetable Timing Matters: Add softer vegetables like peas later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking and maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and meld overnight.
- Customize Your Stew: Feel free to swap vegetables or add your favorite herbs and spices to make this recipe uniquely yours!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
