There’s something about a simmering pot of stew that just feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe brings together tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth for a comfort meal that’s truly irresistible.

The image shows a large white pot filled with a rich stew. The stew has a thick red-brown sauce with visible chunks of brown meat, bright orange carrot pieces, green beans, yellow corn kernels, and small green peas scattered throughout. The vegetables and meat are mixed evenly, and the top of the stew has a slight shine from the sauce. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and the inside rim of the pot shows some sauce stains. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I fell in love with this recipe because it manages to be both super filling and packed with fresh veggies, making it perfect for a nourishing family dinner. The balance of flavors and texture is what keeps me coming back to it again and again.

Rich, tender beef: Slow roasting the chuck roast in this stew yields melt-in-your-mouth bites every time.
Colorful vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, corn, peas, and green beans add layers of flavor and satisfying texture.
Deep, savory broth: Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce boost the umami for seriously comforting eats.
Simply made with pantry staples: No fancy ingredients required – you can easily make this hearty stew anytime.

The image shows a close-up of a metal ladle filled with thick beef stew, lifted above a white marbled surface. The ladle has about five layers of ingredients visible: large chunks of brown beef with a tender texture, bright orange carrot pieces, yellow potato chunks, green beans, and a few scattered green peas. The stew’s rich red-brown broth gently glistens, soaking the ingredients with a thick, juicy look. In the background, the pot is filled with more stew, showing the same colorful mix of vegetables and meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe plays a role in building its soul-soothing flavor. Choosing good quality beef and fresh vegetables sets the foundation, and seasoning with simple herbs keeps it balanced while enhancing depth.

Flat lay of fresh 2-inch chunks of raw chuck roast, a small mound of coarse kosher salt, a small heap of coarse ground black pepper, two tablespoons of flour in a small white ceramic bowl, a pat of unsalted butter on a simple white plate, a small white bowl with golden canola oil, half a yellow onion chopped, four peeled garlic cloves whole, two fresh orange carrots cut into chunks, two Yukon potatoes chopped, a small white bowl filled with yellow corn kernels, a small white bowl with rich dark beef broth, a small white bowl containing deep red tomato paste, a fresh bay leaf, fresh green thyme sprigs, a small white bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, a cup of fresh green beans, a small white bowl of fresh green peas — all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chuck roast: Its marbling breaks down during slow cooking, keeping the beef juicy and tender.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef perfectly before browning.
Flour: Helps form a delicious crust on the beef and thickens the stew slightly.
Unsalted butter & canola oil: Butter adds flavor and oil raises the smoke point so meat browns beautifully without burning.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and aroma when caramelized.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and depth.
Carrots: Sweetness and nice texture contrast to the beef.
Yukon potatoes: They hold their shape well and soak up stew flavors.
Corn: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of pop.
Beef broth: The hearty base that makes the stew so comforting.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds richness and balances the savoriness.
Bay leaf: Infuses a lovely, subtle herbal undertone.
Thyme: Earthy and fragrant – perfect with beef and vegetables.
Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami depth, enhancing the meaty flavors.
Green beans & frozen peas: Stirred in toward the end to preserve freshness and add vibrant color.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this stew depending on what’s in season or what veggies I have in the fridge. You can truly make it your own without losing that hearty, comforting vibe.

Swap veggies: Once, I tried adding parsnips and turnips for a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor and it was amazing.
Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can add a lovely kick if you like a bit of heat.
Make it dairy-free: Easily replace the butter with extra oil or coconut oil without sacrificing richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef Chunks

First, I cut my chuck roast into generous 2-inch chunks, then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Next, dredging each piece in flour is key – it helps create a lovely brown crust and thickens the stew later on. I like to brown the beef in batches over medium heat, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch, so everything gets that beautiful sear without overcrowding the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

After the beef is beautifully browned and set aside, I toss in onions, garlic, and carrots directly into the flavorful drippings. Letting them caramelize for a few minutes unlocks sweetness and layers of flavor. Then, I add potatoes and corn before stirring in beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce—this mix is where the magic starts to happen.

Step 3: Slow Cook in the Oven

I nestle the browned beef back into the pot, cover with a lid, and pop it into a 325°F oven for about 2 and a half hours. This slow, gentle cooking melts the connective tissues in the chuck roast, turning it tender and juicy. Towards the last 30 minutes, I stir in green beans and peas so they stay crisp and vibrant.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Finally, I pull out the stew, remove the bay leaf, and give it a good stir before serving. The result? A rich, savory, vegetable-studded stew that’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Top Tip

From my own kitchen adventures with this Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe, I’ve discovered a few little tricks that make the final dish shine every time.

Browning is everything: Don’t rush the searing step—those browned bits at the bottom of the pot add incredible depth.
Don’t skip the slow cook: Even if you’re tempted, that 2.5 hour oven time is what turns the beef fork-tender.
Add delicate veggies late: Adding green beans and peas at the end keeps their texture fresh and bright.
Rest before serving: Once out of the oven, letting the stew sit for 10 minutes helps flavors meld even more beautifully.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe

Vegetable Beef Stew - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich broth. A dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche can also add a lovely creaminess if you're feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or freshly baked dinner rolls are my go-to sides because they’re perfect for mopping up every last drop of stew. Mashed potatoes work beautifully too – just spoon the stew over for an extra hearty plate. Simple green salads with a tangy vinaigrette help balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this stew in mini cast iron pots or rustic bread bowls – it feels special and makes for an impressive presentation. Garnishing with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of coarse salt just before serving adds a gourmet touch that guests always love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. When you thaw it, the stew’s texture and flavor hold up well — making it a great option for meal prep or busy nights.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, a splash of beef broth or water will loosen it right up and refresh the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef for this hearty vegetable beef stew recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender during slow cooking, you can also use beef brisket or short ribs. Just make sure the cut has some fat and connective tissue to break down for a rich stew.

How do I prevent the vegetables from getting mushy in the stew?

Add the more delicate vegetables like green beans and peas towards the end of the cooking process, about the last 30 minutes. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes are added earlier because they hold up well to long cooking times.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef first for better flavor, then add all ingredients except the green beans and peas. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add the green beans and peas in the last 30 minutes.

What goes well with hearty vegetable beef stew as a side dish?

Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad complement this stew perfectly, helping balance its rich flavors and textures. Garlic bread is another favorite I often serve alongside.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Vegetable Beef Stew Recipe is truly a keeper. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm, satisfying conversation around the kitchen table. I hope you give it a try and discover how wonderfully simple it is to make something that tastes like love in every bite. Trust me, once you do, it’ll become your go-to comfort food too.