If you’re craving a meal that’s warm, hearty, and packed full of comforting flavors, this Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe is practically calling your name. Think tender beef chunks, soft veggies, and flavorful broth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Whether you’re facing a chilly winter evening or just want something satisfying after a long day, this stew has your back. Don’t let the lengthy cooking time fool you—the steps are super simple and totally worth the effort. Plus, it all cooks in one pot (yay for easy cleanup!). Perfect for family dinners or meal preps, you’ll find yourself reaching for this stew recipe again and again. Thanks to its bold flavors, it’s a hit with both picky eaters and adventurous foodies. Try it out today and let BellRecipes guide you through the steps!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Health Benefits
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe
There’s something magical about a bowl of beef stew—it’s like being wrapped in a cozy blanket of flavor. This Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew is the kind of dish that instantly transports you to a warm kitchen, filled with the aroma of slow-cooked goodness. Originating from humble beginnings, beef stew has always been about simplicity: hearty ingredients, minimal fuss, and maximum comfort. What makes this recipe special? It’s packed with vibrant veggies like carrots and parsnips, tender beef chunks, and a rich gravy-like broth you’ll want to sop up with crusty bread. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this version is streamlined for minimal effort and big results. Plus, it’s all done in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax. With BellRecipes as your guide, even a weeknight can become a stew night!
Why You’ll Love Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- One-pot wonder for easy cleanup
- Hearty and comforting meal
- Perfect for cold weather or cozy evenings
- Simple steps with rich flavors
- Great for batch cooking and meal prep
- Uses wholesome, fresh ingredients
- Customizable for dietary needs
- Family-friendly meal
Key Ingredients for Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- Well-marbled beef chuck: Swap with brisket or short ribs for a similar texture.
- Kosher salt: A pinch of sea salt works as well.
- Olive oil: Vegetable oil is a good backup.
- Celery, carrots, parsnips: Feel free to add turnips or omit parsnips if preferred.
- Beef broth: Bone broth or chicken broth can work in a pinch!
- Balsamic vinegar: Use red wine vinegar for a different tang.
- Russet potatoes: Replace with Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
How to Make the Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Cook the beef
Season the beef with salt. Heat olive oil in a large pot, brown beef until liquid collects.
- Add the vegetables
Mix celery, onion, carrots, and parsnips. Stir with salt, pepper, thyme, and flour until veggies soften.
- Add the broth and simmer
Pour in beef broth, water, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until mixture thickens.
- Add the potatoes and finish
Finally, add potatoes and let them simmer until tender. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Expert Tips for Success for Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe | Hearty & Easy Comfort Food
Brown the beef well for flavor depth.
Cut veggies evenly for even cooking.
Don’t rush the simmering process; slow cooking makes the stew richer.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot for better heat distribution.
Add more flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed.
Taste and adjust salt levels before serving.
Variations and Customizations of Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe | Hearty & Easy Comfort Food
Make it gluten-free by skipping the flour or using a cornstarch slurry. For added richness, stir in some heavy cream at the end or replace water with red wine for a deeper flavor profile. Want more veggies? Toss in mushrooms or green beans. If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker will speed things up, but don’t skip the browning step for that essential flavor boost. Finally, try herbs like rosemary or bay leaves alongside thyme for a slightly different twist.
Health Benefits of Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe | Hearty & Easy Comfort Food Recipe
The Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew offers protein-rich beef, which supports muscle maintenance and repair. The variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and parsnips provide vitamins A and K, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, contributing to eyesight, immune health, and better digestion. Potatoes are a great source of complex carbs for sustained energy, while parsley adds a touch of vitamin C and iron. Plus, the thyme and balsamic vinegar pack antioxidants and metabolic benefits. This stew is comforting yet nutrient-rich, perfect for balanced meals.
Nutritional Information about Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe | Hearty & Easy Comfort Food Recipe
This Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew is a well-balanced meal with 518 calories per serving. It provides a robust 60g of protein to keep you full and energized, along with 32g of carbohydrates from the veggies and potatoes. The 17g of fat includes heart-healthy olive oil and natural fats from the beef. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, with 5g per serving, supporting digestion. Keep an eye on the sodium if reducing salt intake, as it stands at 1286mg. Packed with vitamins like A (from carrots) and iron (from the beef), this stew nourishes while satisfying your taste buds.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe | Hearty & Easy Comfort Food Recipe
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When reheating, use the stovetop for even heating or microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through. If the stew thickens too much, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Card of Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe | Hearty & Easy Comfort Food
Ingredients list
- 3 pounds well-marbled beef chuck stew meat cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 ribs celery cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
- 1 medium onion chopped (about 1 cup)
- 4 medium carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
- 2 medium parsnips peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth see recipe note
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, season the beef pieces with 1 tablespoon of the salt. Heat the olive oil in a large (6 to 8 quart), thick-bottomed pot over high heat. Add the beef all at once and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink and some liquid has accumulated at the bottom of the pot, about 10 minutes.
- Add the celery, onion, carrots, and parsnips. Reduce heat to medium-high. Season with remaining teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and vegetables are slightly softened, about 10 minutes more. Add the thyme and flour, stir, and cook until raw flour is no longer visible, about 30 seconds.
- Add the beef broth, water, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, partially covered and stirring every 20 minutes or so, until stew has darkened and thickened slightly, about 1 hour.
- Add potatoes to the stew, stir well, and continue to simmer until the potatoes and beef are tender, about 30 minutes. Season to taste, transfer to serving bowls, sprinkle with parsley, and serve. Refrigerate leftovers, tightly covered, for up to 5 days.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About Effortless One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker to cook on low for 7-8 hours.
What can I substitute for parsnips?
You can use turnips, additional carrots, or omit them altogether—it will still be delicious.
How can I thicken the stew?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with water and stir it in during the simmering process.
