Hearty Stovetop Stew: The Easiest One-Pot Meal EVER

Hearty stovetop stew. Those three words conjure up images of cozy nights, the comforting aroma filling the kitchen, and a bowl of pure deliciousness warming you from the inside out. This hearty stovetop stew recipe isn’t just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, a nostalgic trip back to simpler times, and the perfect antidote to a chilly evening. It’s real food for real life, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

This recipe was inspired by my grandmother’s cooking. She always had a pot simmering on the stove, ready to feed anyone who walked through her door. Her signature was her simplicity, that is why this recipe is easy to cook and share. I’ve adapted her recipe to be even more accessible for today’s busy cooks.

Why You Will Love This hearty stovetop stew Recipe

This hearty stovetop stew is a winner for so many reasons! It’s unbelievably comforting, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours; this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

What makes this stew truly special is its depth of flavor. We’re talking layers of savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or protein to make it your own. I hope this dish brings warmth to your home, just like comfort food favorites such as Disneyland Hot Chocolate Reciperich Creamy Bliss 3.

The best part that I can think of is how forgiving this recipe is. I’m a big believer in the fact that is okay for dishes to turn out unexpected, I am just glad that you share the process with me! If you love food that makes you feel good, this hearty stovetop stew is a must try. And, don’t forget to Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration! Before getting to the recipe, you may want to discover other warm drinks such as 12 Best Delicious And Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipes The Little Shine 2 if you are looking for a flavorful treat!

Ingredients Needed for This hearty stovetop stew Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious hearty stovetop stew:

• Protein:

* 1.5 lbs Beef stew meat, cubed * 2 tbsp Olive oil

• Vegetables:

* 1 large Onion, chopped * 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped * 2 Celery stalks, chopped * 3 cloves Garlic, minced * 1 lb Potatoes, peeled and cubed * 1 cup Frozen peas * 1 cup Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• Liquid:

* 6 cups Beef broth * 1 cup Red wine (optional) * 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced tomatoes, undrained

• Seasoning:

* 2 Bay leaves * 1 tsp Dried thyme * 1 tsp Dried rosemary * Salt and pepper to taste

• Thickening:

* 2 tbsp All purpose flour (optional) * 1/4 cup Cold water (optional)

• Garnish:

* Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make This hearty stovetop stew Recipe

Get ready to make a hearty stovetop stew that will soon become a family favorite! Follow these simple steps:

1. 1. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. 3. Deglaze (Optional): If using red wine, pour it into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly (about 2-3 minutes).
4. 4. Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Keep an eye on the liquid level.
5. 5. Add Potatoes: Add potatoes in the last 40 minutes. They will thicken the stew, and need time to cook through.
6. 6. Thicken (Optional): If you want a thicker stew, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook for a couple of minutes until the stew has thickened.
7. 7. Add Remaining Veggies: Stir in the frozen peas and corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Continue to simmer until the peas and corn are heated through.
8. 8. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve This hearty stovetop stew Recipe

Serving this hearty stovetop stew is all about showcasing its comforting warmth. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

For a heartier meal, serve it alongside crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. Consider serving with a simple salad or a side of mashed potatoes or polenta. Make sure you visit Www.makourirecipes.com for more delicious pairing options.

Plating Idea: For a rustic presentation, serve the stew in earthenware bowls with a sprig of rosemary or thyme. Don’t be afraid to get creative and dress it up with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

How to Store This hearty stovetop stew Recipe

Proper storage will help keep your hearty stovetop stew fresh and flavorful for days to come.

• Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the stew in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stew in individual portions or in a larger container. Make sure to leave some headspace in the container as the stew will expand when frozen. The frozen stew will last for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the refrigerated stew in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.

Tips to Make This hearty stovetop stew Recipe

Want to take your hearty stovetop stew to the next level? Here are some helpful tips:

• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the beef stew meat with other proteins like lamb, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Other ingredients can be substituted to taste.
• Success Tips: Don’t skip the searing step! Searing adds depth of flavor to your stew. Also, low and slow simmering is the key to getting tender beef and a rich, flavorful broth.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid overcrowding the pot when searing the beef. Sear in batches to ensure proper browning.
• Pro Tips: For an even richer flavor, use homemade beef broth. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of umami.

Helpful Notes for This hearty stovetop stew Recipe

A few extra notes to help you achieve stew perfection:

• Broth Quality: The quality of your beef broth can make a big difference in the overall flavor of the stew. Opt for a high quality store bought broth or make your own.
• Equipment Recommendations: A heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for making stew as it distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching.
• Veggie Prepping: Make sure to chop your vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.

Variation of This hearty stovetop stew Recipe

Here are a few tasty ways to switch up your hearty stovetop stew:

• Seasonal Twist: In the fall, add butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness. And add some pumpkin spice!
• Optional Version: For a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
• Creative Modifications: Add mushrooms (cremini or shiitake) for an earthy flavor. Stir in a dollop of pesto or a spoonful of sour cream right before serving for creamy richness.