When the weather turns chilly or you simply crave a warm and satisfying meal, nothing beats a hearty One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew. This classic comfort food combines tender chunks of beef, wholesome vegetables, and rich, savory broth in a single pot that simmers to perfection. It’s a dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just one pot, you get a complete, nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare, saves time on cleanup, and guarantees flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew will become your go-to recipe for cozy, home-cooked goodness.
Why One-Pot Recipes Are a Game-Changer
Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why one-pot meals are so loved:
- Fewer Dishes to Wash – With everything cooked in one pot, you save time on cleaning.
- Flavor Builds Naturally – The beef, vegetables, and broth simmer together, infusing rich flavors into every spoonful.
- Balanced Nutrition – You get protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy carbs in one dish.
- Versatility – You can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite vegetables, herbs, or seasonings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stew tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
Ingredients for One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious pot of stew that serves 6–8 people:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast (cut into 1 ½-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 medium potatoes (cut into chunks)
- 2 cups green beans (trimmed and cut in halves)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional, for sweetness)
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup red wine (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening, optional)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To prepare this One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew, you’ll need:
- A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- A sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A ladle for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a flavorful sear.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown each side until golden. Remove beef and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste
Toss in carrots and celery. Stir for 2–3 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds incredible flavor to the stew.
Step 6: Build the Stew Base
Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover. Simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until beef is tender.
Step 7: Add Potatoes and Green Beans
After about 1 hour of simmering, add potatoes and green beans. Continue cooking until vegetables are soft.
Step 8: Stir in Peas and Corn
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add peas and corn. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 9: Thicken if Desired
If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk flour with a bit of broth and stir into the pot. Simmer until the stew reaches your desired consistency.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
Remove bay leaves, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits.
Tips for the Best One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef – Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender after long cooking. Avoid lean cuts.
- Don’t Skip the Browning – Searing the beef adds depth of flavor that simmering alone won’t provide.
- Low and Slow Cooking – The longer you let the stew simmer, the more tender the beef and flavorful the broth.
- Adjust Vegetables Seasonally – Try adding parsnips, turnips, zucchini, or mushrooms depending on what’s fresh.
- Make it Ahead – This stew tastes even better the next day, so make it in advance for easy meals.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Vitamin A: 90% DV
- Vitamin C: 45% DV
- Iron: 25% DV
(Values are approximate and vary depending on exact ingredients used.)
Serving Suggestions
This One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew is filling on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Crusty bread or sourdough – perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Buttery biscuits – classic Southern pairing.
- Green Bean Casserole – for a holiday-style comfort food combo.
- Fresh salad – balances the richness of the stew.
- Mashed potatoes – if you want an extra hearty side.
Why This Stew Stands Out
This recipe is more than just another stew. It’s:
- Comforting yet nutritious – A balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Budget-friendly – Makes a big batch with affordable ingredients.
- Versatile – Easily customizable with what you have in the fridge.
- Perfect year-round – Cozy in winter, yet light enough for spring and fall evenings.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a dish that delivers warmth, comfort, and nutrition all in one bowl, this One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew is the answer. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, it’s a timeless classic you’ll want to cook again and again.
Whether you serve it for Sunday dinner, a casual weeknight meal, or as part of a festive holiday spread, this stew never disappoints. Save this recipe, share it with your loved ones, and let it bring comfort to your table every season.
