There’s just something irresistible about a steaming bowl of Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables. Imagine rich, tender chunks of beef, cozying up with vibrant veggies and a savory tomato sauce that brings everyone to the table. This is comfort food at its finest: hearty, nourishing, and packed with flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re gathering family for a Sunday dinner or craving a soul-warming meal on a chilly weeknight, this stew will become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables recipe is that it uses humble, everyday ingredients that come together for extraordinary flavor. Every addition, from the sweet carrots to the bold paprika, serves a delicious purpose in the stew’s rich tapestry.
- Beef (500 g/1 lb, cut into cubes): Opt for stewing beef like chuck for melt-in-your-mouth bites and deep, meaty flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds luscious richness and helps brown the beef to develop those crave-worthy flavors.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Provides savory sweetness and forms the aromatic backbone of the stew.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a little does wonders—a gentle punch of aroma that enhances every ingredient.
- Carrots (2 medium, sliced): Sweet and earthy, they become wonderfully tender as they simmer.
- Potatoes (2 medium, cubed): They soak up the sauce and transform into soft, comforting chunks.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped, optional): For a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the stew.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Builds the body of the sauce and intensifies the beefy notes.
- Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes (1 cup): Brings tang and a luscious, velvety tomato base to tie everything together.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and gentle smokiness throughout the stew.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): For an herby undertone that carries each bite from good to great.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bright, balanced flavors—taste and adjust as you go!
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A final touch of freshness and color before serving.
How to Make Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add those glorious beef cubes. Don’t rush—let them brown undisturbed before stirring so you get that savory, golden crust that brings real depth to your Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables. Work in batches if needed, and once each piece is browned all over, set the beef aside to rest while you build up more layers of flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In the same pot (don’t clean it, those caramelized bits are gold!), toss in your chopped onion. Sauté gently until it softens and releases its sweet aroma, about five minutes. Next, add the garlic and let it cook for just a minute—enough to turn fragrant, but not brown. Stir in the tomato sauce, paprika, dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper. This is where the base of your sauce really begins to shine, its colors and spices mingling beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Stew
Time to marry everything together! Return your browned beef (plus any delicious juices) to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Crank up the heat and bring to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it mingle for 30 minutes—this is where the beef turns tender and the flavors meld into that signature richness only a great stew can offer.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Now for those colorful stars—carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Add them to the pot and give everything a good stir. Cover again and let the stew simmer for another 20 to 25 minutes. The vegetables will absorb the tangy tomato sauce and the beef will become positively fork-tender. Keep an eye on the texture; you want veggies that hold their shape but are perfectly soft.
Step 5: Serve
With everything tender and your kitchen smelling heavenly, finish your Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables with a generous shower of fresh parsley. Ladle it up while hot and don’t forget to scoop up plenty of sauce with every serving—trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind!
How to Serve Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables
Garnishes
Though the stew is packed with flavor, a bright sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a rush of color and freshness that really wakes up the bowl. For a touch of luxury, a dollop of sour cream or a few snipped chives can make each portion pop just a bit more.
Side Dishes
A hearty stew like this deserves equally satisfying company. My go-to is a big hunk of crusty bread—perfect for swooping up the savory sauce. Fluffy rice makes a great base to soak in all those flavors, or try creamy mashed potatoes on the side for a double dose of comfort. You can’t go wrong!
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace a little fun and serve your Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables in individual bread bowls or rustic clay pots for a cozy, bistro feel. For parties, use small ramekins or mugs for a charming appetizer-sized portion—just remember to serve with extra sauce on the side for any eager dippers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—the flavors get even better as they sit!
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat your Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up to your perfect stew consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stove first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, adding the vegetables in the last 2 hours to maintain their texture.
Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute mushrooms or a hearty plant-based meat alternative for the beef, use vegetable broth, and keep the rest of the process the same for a cozy, veggie-packed stew.
What other vegetables work well in this recipe?
Try adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, peas, or green beans for extra variety and nutrition. Swap or add as you like—this recipe is flexible enough to welcome your favorite seasonal vegetables.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you like your Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables a bit thicker, mash a few pieces of potato into the sauce or stir in a slurry made from one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water at the end of cooking.
Can I prepare Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables in advance?
Definitely! The flavors only deepen as it sits. Prepare your stew a day ahead and reheat before serving—it’s the perfect make-ahead comfort dish for guests or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort and a deliciously filling meal, this Beef Stew with Sauce and Vegetables is always a winning choice. The combination of hearty beef, a rich sauce, and tender vegetables will warm hearts and bellies alike. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a much-requested favorite at your table!