This Hearty Homestyle Beef Stew is your go-to comfort dish, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a warm, filling meal. Loaded with tender beef and chunky vegetables, it's a classic that never goes out of style.
Beef chuck roast is the star of the show, offering rich flavor and tenderness after slow cooking. Coating it with all-purpose flour helps thicken the stew, giving it that hearty consistency we love. Olive oil is used for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, enhancing the stew's depth of flavor.
Beef broth and water create the savory liquid that slowly breaks down the beef into tender chunks. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and starchiness, absorbing the stew’s flavors as they soften. Peas are added at the end to retain their vibrant color and slight crunch. Finally, dried thyme and dried rosemary bring a hint of earthiness, while salt and pepper round out the seasoning.
This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try serving it with a simple green salad on the side to balance the hearty flavors.
Start by tossing your cubed beef chuck roast with flour in a large bowl. This ensures each piece is well-coated, which will help thicken your stew later. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
In the same pot, throw in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth and water. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and let it work its magic for about an hour.
After an hour, add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Give it a good stir, cover again, and let it simmer for another 30 minutes. This will allow the veggies to become tender and soak up the stew's flavors. Finally, stir in the peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer uncovered for a final 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.