Savory Beef Chuck Stew with Carrots and Potatoes Recipe
Savory Beef Chunks is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender seared beef simmered in a rich sauce made with beef broth, tomato paste, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting meal served over rice, potatoes, or pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 2 pounds beef chuck cut into chunks
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
Optional Thickening
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Sear beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
- Add aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season & simmer: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Return the seared beef chunks to the pot and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender. Add the sliced carrots and optional potatoes at the halfway point if using.
- Optional thickening: If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the pot and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Finish: Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve: Serve the savory beef chunks hot over rice, potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For richer flavor, brown the beef in batches without overcrowding the pot.
- Adding potatoes is optional but helps make the dish more filling.
- The sauce can be thickened with cornstarch or reduced by simmering uncovered for longer.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be substituted for dried if preferred.
- Leftovers taste great the next day and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
