This Beef Stew comes together in about 90 minutes and all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Seriously, there’s something magical about a hearty stew that warms the soul and brings everyone together at the dinner table.

Ingredient Breakdown for Beef Stew

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish. I promise it’s pretty simple, and you might even have most of these ingredients hanging around your pantry!

¼ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil): This will help us sear the beef and create a delicious base.
3 pounds stew meat: You want this cut into small bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Chuck roast works wonders here, trust me on this!
1 large onion (or 2 small ones, chopped): For that sweet, aromatic base.
1 medium green bell pepper (chopped): It adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Because can any dish really be complete without garlic? I think not!
3 large Roma tomatoes (diced): They add a nice burst of freshness to the stew.
1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just a couple pinches to bring all the flavors together.
2 teaspoons cumin (ground): A comforting spice that adds warmth.
1½ teaspoons chili powder: Just the right touch of heat.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: For richness and depth of flavor.
1 cube beef bouillon: This boosts the umami factor, making it incredibly delicious.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This thickens the stew, giving it that nice, hearty texture.
3-4 cups beef broth (low sodium): Adjust based on how thick or thin you like your stew.
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish): Optional, but it gives a lovely fresh finish.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright! Now let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of making this flavorful concoction. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl of comforting beef stew before you know it!

1. Sear the Beef (5-7 minutes)

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the stew meat. We’re looking to brown the meat nicely, so don’t rush this step! Cook until browned on all sides, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If your pan isn’t big enough, do it in batches. Just remember, we don’t want to overcrowd the pan!

2. Cook the Veggies (4 minutes)

Once the beef is out and resting on a plate, add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and smell heavenly. Don’t skip the next step: Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. You’ll be dreaming of this aroma!

3. Add the Tomatoes and Spices (2 minutes)

Now stir in those fresh diced tomatoes. Cook for about another minute, just long enough for them to soften. Then, sprinkle on salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Stir it all together, and let those spices bloom! It’s the secret to a delicious stew!

4. Start the Gravy (3 minutes)

Add tomato paste and crumbled beef bouillon. Give it a good stir and, here’s the fun part, scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and trust me, it’s where the flavor magic happens!

5. Thicken It Up (2 minutes)

Sprinkle flour over the veggie mixture and stir well, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. You want it to thicken slightly. Gradually add 1 cup of beef broth while stirring. The mixture should start to thicken and resemble a lovely gravy.

6. Add the Beef and Simmer (1.5 hours)

Now, time to reintroduce that beef! Put the seared meat back in the skillet, and pour in another 2 cups of beef broth (adjust as needed for your ideal thickness). Give it a stir, cover, and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 1.5 hours. You want the meat to be super tender and fall apart, pure comfort food!

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the time is up, give it a taste and adjust, seasoning with a couple pinches of salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with some chopped cilantro for a pop of freshness, and serve alongside rice and warm tortillas or some crusty bread for dipping. Yum!

If you loved this beef stew, be sure to check out my Beef Enchilada Casserole, my Beef Cheeseburger Meatloaf, or my Classic Beef Taquitos for more delicious options!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This beef stew comes together in under 90 minutes, making it perfect for your busy weeknights. It’s not only easy to follow, but I bet you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

One Pot Wonder

Minimal cleanup required, folks! You just need one skillet for the whole shebang. Who doesn’t love an easy cleanup after a satisfying dinner?

Budget-Friendly

With affordable, everyday ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank! You probably have most of the stuff already, and if not, you’re just a quick trip to the grocery store away from a fantastic meal.

Customizable

Use whatever ingredients you have lying around! Swap out proteins, toss in different veggies, or change the spices. It’s all about what you enjoy!

Comfort Food Central

Heat it up on a chilly evening, and I guarantee it’ll wrap you up in warmth and love. You can’t go wrong with this stew, loaded with tons of flavor. It’s absolutely the ultimate comfort food.

Serving Suggestions

There’s nothing quite like slurping up a hearty beef stew! Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Serve with Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
Side of Rice: Fluffy rice makes an excellent pairing, bonus points if you mix it right into the stew!
Warm Tortillas: Go ahead, roll up some beef stew in a tortilla. It’s like an enchilada but better!
Green Salad: A light salad balances out the rich flavors of the stew.

Storage

This beef stew keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, put it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Or, you can microwave it for a quick option, just stir midway through until it’s hot and steamy!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! This stew is freezer-friendly. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re craving it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed.

And there you have it, my friends! A simple, hearty beef stew that’ll keep your family satisfied and warm this season. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out!

Happy cooking! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.

Beef Stew

Author: amelia
Total Time: 105 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and comforting beef stew that’s quick to prepare and perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

¼ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
3 pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 large roma tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons cumin (ground)
1½ teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cube beef bouillon
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3–4 cups low sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the beef and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until onions are translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the fresh diced tomatoes and cook for 1 minute. Stir in salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
Add tomato paste and crumbled beef bouillon to the mixture, stirring well to deglaze the pan.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 1 cup of beef broth while stirring.
Reintroduce the seared beef back to the skillet, add another 2 cups of beef broth, stir, cover, and let simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours.
Adjust seasoning and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Notes

This stew can be customized with different vegetables or spices based on personal preference. It’s perfect for using up leftover ingredients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg