This beef stew with rice is a cozy dish that warms you up on chilly days. Tender beef pieces are simmered with tasty veggies and served over fluffy rice—so hearty and filling!
I love how simple it is to make. Just throw everything in a pot and let it do its thing while you relax. Plus, who can resist that delicious smell filling the kitchen? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I recommend using chuck roast, as it becomes tender with slow cooking. If you want a leaner option, go for sirloin. Just keep in mind, it may not be as tender.
Carrots: Fresh carrots are a must for depth of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen carrots. Just skip the thawing part, and add them directly to the stew.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is great, but store-bought works too! For a lighter option, swap with vegetable broth or even chicken broth.
Rice: White rice is traditional, but you can also use brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier alternative. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as brown rice takes longer.
How Do I Get the Beef to be Tender in My Stew?
Tender beef is the star of a great stew, and getting it right is key. Here’s how:
- Start by browning the beef well. This not only adds flavor but helps to lock in juices.
- Use low heat and let it simmer slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more tender it gets.
- If you want to speed things up, consider using a pressure cooker. It can cut the cooking time dramatically.
Delicious Beef Stew with Rice Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For the Rice:
- 1 ½ cups white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups water (for cooking rice)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 2 hours of cooking time, giving you a total of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The result? A warm and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook them until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, take the beef out and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and give it a quick stir for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about 1 minute to enhance the flavors.
4. Add the Vegetables and Liquid:
Next, add the sliced carrots, beef broth, water, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well.
5. Stew it Up:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the carrots are soft. This is when the magic happens!
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you like a thicker stew, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Gradually stir this into the stew, and allow it to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until thickened to your liking.
7. Cook the Rice:
While your stew is cooking, prepare the rice. In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. When done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
8. Taste and Season:
Before serving, pull out the bay leaf from the stew. Taste it and season with salt and pepper as needed for that perfect flavor.
9. Serve It Up:
To plate, spoon the fluffy cooked rice into bowls and ladle the delicious beef stew over one side of the rice.
10. Garnish and Enjoy!
Top your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty beef stew with rice!
This beef stew with rice is perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s filled with tender meat, tasty vegetables, and love. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Meats for This Stew?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal due to its tenderness when cooked, other options like lamb or pork can work as well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the meat choice.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. Homemade broth adds great flavor, but store-bought varieties work just fine!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-friendly container, where it can last for about 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or green beans. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender and cooked through.
