Best 9 Thick Hearty Beef Stew Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

If you're looking for a comforting and flavorful dish to warm you up on a chilly day, few things can compare to a thick and hearty beef stew. With its tender chunks of beef, an array of colorful vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, it's a classic dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. But with so many different recipes out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we'll share some tips for finding the best recipe for thick hearty beef stew, so you can make a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC, HEARTY BEEF STEW



Classic, Hearty Beef Stew image

This classic beef stew recipe makes sure you really make the most of each step of the cooking process to end up with a beautiful, rich, and hearty beef stew!

Provided by Matthew Francis

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Beef

Time 3h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 (2 pound) boneless beef round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 cups chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups dry red wine
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
3 bay leaves
2 cups beef broth, or more as needed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 cups chopped carrots
3 cups cubed Yukon Gold potatoes
1 cup fresh peas
1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place beef cubes into a large bowl. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Add flour and paprika and toss until evenly coated.
  • Heat oil in an oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until dark brown, about 4 minutes per side. Flip or stir gently with a wooden spoon until all edges are dark brown, 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove beef and set aside.
  • Add onions to the beef fat with more salt and pepper; cook and stir until they begin to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and stir until aromatic and soft, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook until it turns brown and begins to caramelize and stick to the bottom of the pan. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up the flavorful browned bits on the bottom. Let the wine reduce until almost dry again, about 3 minutes.
  • Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, herbes de Provence, and bay leaves. Add 2 cups beef broth and Worcestershire, stir, and bring to a boil. Add the seared beef cubes back into the stew liquid. Remove from heat and cover the pot.
  • Braise in the preheated oven until meat is almost tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven. Add carrots, potatoes, and more beef broth if needed. Cover and return to the oven to braise until meat and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes longer.
  • Discard bay leaves. Stir in peas, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 365.8 calories, Carbohydrate 32.1 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Fat 9.3 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 28.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 377.6 mg, Sugar 7.7 g

HEARTY BEEF STEW



Hearty Beef Stew image

I DISCOVERED this recipe several years ago when we belonged to a newcomers group. It's a real lifesaver when you have company...and when you live in Florida, you have company often! Put it in the oven, forget it and be gone for the day with your guests. When you return home, fix a salad, warm some bread and dinner will be ready. The men especially love it! -Virginia Brown, Hudson, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h15m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds beef stew meat
6 to 7 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
2 medium onions, cut into wedges
8 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 to 5 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/3 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 beef bouillon cube
1 teaspoon sugar
2 bay leaves
1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
3 cups tomato juice

Steps:

  • In a 4-qt. Dutch oven or baking dish, layer the first 12 ingredients; pour tomato juice over all. Cover and bake at 325° for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, or until the meat and vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 965mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 26g protein.

HEARTY BEEF STEW



Hearty Beef Stew image

5 minutes of prep for a rich, wholesome stew? You can't beat that.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Beef Recipes

Time 2h10m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green chiles
Coarse salt and pepper
3/4 pound small potatoes, halved
1/2 pound frozen peas and carrots, thawed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large heavy pot, toss beef with flour. Stir in tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high, transfer to oven, and cook 1 hour. Stir in potatoes and cook until beef and potatoes are tender, about 1 hour more. Stir in peas and carrots and let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 495 g, Fat 22 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 39 g, SaturatedFat 9 g

THICK AND HEARTY CLASSIC BEEF STEW



Thick and Hearty Classic Beef Stew image

Provided by [email protected]

Number Of Ingredients 27

2 1/2 lbs. chuck roast, trimmed of all fat and cut into LARGE bite-sized pieces, (arm or blade roast can also be used)
3 Tbl. flour
1 Tbl. paprika
2 tsp. regular salt
1 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. cajun seasoning such as Slap Ya Mama
4 Tbl. (1/4 cup) butter flavored shortening (yes you need this much and I like Crisco's)
2 onions, diced large
1 (14.5 oz.) can stewed tomatoes with the juice and coarse-crushed with your hands, (*I prefer Hunt's)
1 large bay leaf or 2 small ones
2 (10 1/2 oz.) cans Campbell's beef consommé
2 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
2 tsp. worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
1 tsp. tomato paste, (*can sub ketchup in a pinch)
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. cajun seasoning such as Slap Ya Mama
1 Tbl. butter
1/4 tsp. sugar, or to taste (*if carrots are bitter you may need 1/2 tsp.)
2 large ribs celery, thickly sliced
1 (8 oz.) bag sweet baby carrots, can sub "baby cut" or regular carrots (peeled), thickly sliced
4-5 medium-sized red or Yukon Gold potatoes (unpeeled), or russet potatoes (peeled) and cut into hearty bite-sized chunks (as many as you like*)
1 (7 oz.) can of white shoepeg corn (Green Giant sells it), drained, *can sub a tall can of green beans or small can of sweet peas if preferred over corn
2 - 3 Tbl. cornstarch mixed with equal parts (2 - 3 Tbl.) cold water*

Steps:

  • Cut up beef into large, double bite-sized chunks trimming all fat. (*Beef shrinks as it cooks so go much larger than you would think.) Set aside.
  • In large mixing bowl, mix well the next 6 (dry) ingredients.
  • Add large chunks of beef and toss with a large spoon to coat each piece well until all are evenly coated and all of spice and flour mixture is absorbed and stuck to the meat. (*Shaking in a bag does not work well. A bowl and large spoon works perfectly.) Set aside.
  • In large heavy-bottomed, non-stick stock pot that has a lid, add shortening and melt over medium-high heat. Swirl around pan and add meat all at once. Let sit a minute before trying to stir. Then stir now and then to brown pieces on all sides.
  • Add next 10 ingredients, scrape yummy bits from bottom of pan, cover, reduce heat until simmering, and simmer for about 45 minutes until meat is tender, stirring only occasionally.
  • Add butter, sugar, carrots, potatoes and celery, recover, bring back to a low boil over medium-high, reduce heat to low, and simmer again (covered) for another 30 -35 minutes, or until veggies are tender. Time will depend on how chunky you cut your veggies, so you may want to check yours after 25 minutes for tenderness. *Stir once or twice during simmering to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
  • Stir in drained corn and heat through.
  • Remove lid and bring up to a simmer without the lid. Mix cornstarch and cold water and stir into pot to thicken. Simmer 1-2 more minutes. Ladle into bowls, and serve with warm buttered biscuits or bread, and hot sauce on the side for those who like to spike it hot!
  • *Don't forget to remove the bay leaves before serving....or.... leave one in there and whoever gets it has to do the dishes!
  • Leftover stew will very thick after chilling, do not add any liquid! Stew will thin back out after reheating.

SLOW COOKER HEARTY BEEF STEW



Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 10h35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/2 pounds beef for stew, cut into 1-inch pieces
Ground black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pounds medium potatoes, cut into cubes (about 3 cups)
4 medium carrots, sliced (about 2 cups)
2 medium onions, cut into wedges
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 1/4 cups Swanson® Beef Stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
1 bay leaf
1 cup thawed frozen peas

Steps:

  • Season the beef with black pepper. Coat the beef with 2 tablespoons of the flour. Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in 2 batches and cook until it's well browned, stirring often.
  • Place the potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic into a 5-quart slow cooker. Top with the beef. Add 3 cups of the stock, Worcestershire, thyme and bay leaf.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 10 to 11 hours* or until the beef is fork-tender. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  • Stir the remaining flour and stock in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth. Stir the flour mixture and peas in the cooker. Increase the heat to HIGH. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the mixture boils and thickens.
  • *Or on HIGH 5 to 6 hours
  • Serving suggestion: Serve with buttermilk biscuits and tossed salad topped with Ranch dressing.

EASY AND HEARTY SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW



Easy and Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew image

A hearty warm meal waiting for you when you get home, full of tender beef, potatoes, and carrots in a rich flavorful sauce. Comfort food at its best! Serve with warm bread or rolls.

Provided by to1drland

Categories     Everyday Cooking

Time 6h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
3 large potatoes, cut into cubes
1 pound carrots, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 large onion, chopped
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine beef, potatoes, carrots, and onion in a slow cooker crock.
  • Mix cream of mushroom soup, tomato sauce, onion soup mix, parsley, and pepper together in a bowl; pour over the beef mixture.
  • Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Stir before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 465.3 calories, Carbohydrate 50.4 g, Cholesterol 62.6 mg, Fat 18.8 g, Fiber 7.6 g, Protein 24.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.9 g, Sodium 1038.1 mg, Sugar 8.5 g

HEARTY GROUND BEEF STEW



Hearty Ground Beef Stew image

"I created this chunky soup when looking for something inexpensive and easy to make," recalls Sandra Castillo of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. The thick and hearty mixture is chock-full of ground beef, potatoes and baby carrots.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 5h20m

Yield 8 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound ground beef
6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 package (16 ounces) baby carrots
3 cups water
2 tablespoons Lipton beefy onion soup mix
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 can (6 ounces) Italian tomato paste

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the next nine ingredients. Stir in the beef. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours. Stir in soup and tomato paste; cover and cook for 1 hour longer or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 678mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

SLOW COOKER HEARTY BEEF STEW



Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew image

I've never been a big fan of beef stew, but I really enjoy this recipe that I got from Cook's Country. The meat comes out fork-tender, the broth is rich and just thick enough to coat a spoon, and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. This way of preparing beef stew keeps the vegetables from turning to mush by steaming them on top of the stew in a "hobo pack". The stew is thickened without giving it a starchy texture by using Minute Tapioca. Also, you get a big beefy flavor by slipping in a few tablespoons of soy sauce. It takes a little more prep time, but you can do most of the prep for this recipe the night before the ingredients go into the slow cooker. I think the extra time preparing it is worth it! Just prepare the recipe through step 7 and refrigerate the browned beef and onion mixture in separate containers. In the morning, just transfer everything to the slow cooker and proceed with step 8. The cooking time will run to the high end of the ranges given in the recipe. If you're going to be away from your slow cooker for more than 10 hours, cutting the vegetables into larger, 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces will help them retain their texture.

Provided by CookingONTheSide

Categories     Stew

Time 10h30m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

5 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 medium onions, chopped fine
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 cups low sodium chicken broth or 2 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 lb carrot, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb parsnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons minute tapioca
2 cups frozen peas, thawed

Steps:

  • Dry beef with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 T oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking.
  • Add half of beef and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes.
  • Transfer to slow cooker inset and repeat with remaining beef (you shouldn't need more oil).
  • Add 1 T oil, onions and 1/4 t salt to empty skillet and cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste and cook, stirring well, for 2 minutes.
  • Add broth and soy sauce, bring to a simmer and transfer to slow-cooker inset.
  • Toss carrots, parsnips, potatoes, 1/2 t thyme, and remaining 1 T oil in bowl.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Wrap vegetables in foil packet that will fit in slow cooker.
  • Note: To make the pack, place the vegetables on one side of a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  • Fold the foil over, shaping it into a packet that will fit into your slow cooker, then crimp to seal the edges.
  • Stir bay leaves and tapioca into slow-cooker insert; set vegetable packet on top of beef.
  • Set slow cooker to high, cover, and cook for 6-7 hours (or cook on low for 10 hours-11 hours).
  • Transfer vegetable packet to plate.
  • Carefully open packet (watch for steam) and stir vegetables and juices into stew.
  • Add remaining 1 t thyme and peas and let stand until heated through.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

THICK AND HEARTY STEW



Thick and Hearty Stew image

My kids have been hounding me to write down some of my 'creations', so this recipe is a result of that 'pressure'... ;-) If you decide to use beef or venison, be sure to throw in a bay leaf. Feel free to experiment with some of your favorite spices/herbs. I may try this with chicken one of these days too. A nice crusty bread goes well with this.

Provided by Cindy Lynn

Categories     Stew

Time 55m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 lb cubed pork roast (or beef roast, or venison roast, or stew meat--I use left-over)
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
salt (to taste)
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 clove minced garlic (or more if desired)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup baby carrots, rinsed
2 large potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
3 stalks celery, sliced thin
1/2 cup lentils
1 cup frozen lima beans
1/2 cup frozen peas
5 cups water

Steps:

  • Brown meat and place in stockpot with garlic, onion, boullion granules, salt, pepper, lentils and carrots.
  • Simmer while preparing celery and potatoes, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Add celery and potatoes to soup stock.
  • Add remaining ingredients and simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender, approximately 20 minutes more.
  • It may be necessary to add more water.
  • Serve.

Tips:

  • Select the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for chuck roast, short ribs, or brisket for a flavorful and tender stew.
  • Brown the Beef: Searing the beef in a pot or Dutch oven before stewing enhances its flavor and creates a rich base for the stew.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a flavorful broth contribute to a delicious stew. Choose organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
  • Simmer, Don't Boil: Maintain a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender without overcooking.
  • Add Vegetables in Stages: Incorporate root vegetables like carrots and potatoes early on, and softer vegetables like peas and green beans towards the end of cooking to retain their texture.
  • Season Wisely: Start with a basic seasoning of salt and pepper, then adjust to taste. Consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra depth of flavor.
  • Thicken the Stew (Optional): If desired, thicken the stew with a cornstarch or flour slurry or by adding mashed potatoes or barley.
  • Garnish and Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, and crusty bread for dipping.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the comfort and warmth of a hearty beef stew, a classic dish that showcases the richness of beef and the goodness of fresh vegetables. With careful selection of ingredients, proper cooking techniques, and a touch of patience, you can create a stew that is both satisfying and memorable. Experiment with different cuts of beef, vegetables, and seasonings to find your perfect combination. Whether served as a main course or as part of a special occasion meal, a thick and hearty beef stew is sure to impress and delight your taste buds.

Related Topics