This hearty beef stew with rice is the ultimate comfort food! Tender beef and colorful veggies simmer together in a rich broth, making every bite warm and cozy.
Nothing beats a big bowl of stew on a chilly day. I love serving it with fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. You’ll be going back for seconds, trust me! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Choosing the right cut is important. Chuck roast works best due to its marbling, which makes it tender as it cooks. You can substitute with brisket or round, but avoid lean cuts.
Vegetable Oil: This is great for browning meat, but you can switch it up with olive oil or canola oil for a different flavor profile.
Beef Broth: Homemade is best for flavor, but low-sodium store-bought is a good option. If you need a lighter option, you can use vegetable broth instead.
Carrots and Potatoes: These are classic, but feel free to swap in parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist. Peas or green beans can also add color.
Rice: Long-grain or jasmine rice are excellent choices, but brown rice gives a nuttier taste. Quinoa can also be a great gluten-free alternative!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef?
The key to tender beef in your stew is low and slow cooking. This means cooking it at a low temperature for an extended time, which breaks down the collagen in the meat. Here’s how:
- Brown the meat well on all sides first to build flavor.
- After adding broth and veggies, bring to a boil quickly, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover your pot to keep moisture in and stir occasionally. This helps all the flavors meld together!
- Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef flakes apart easily with a fork.
These tips will help you serve up a hearty beef stew with rice that everyone in the family will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Beef Stew with Rice
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 sprig fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup rice (long grain or jasmine)
- 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stew with rice will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1.5 to 2 hours to simmer until the beef is tender. Overall, you can expect to spend around 2 hours and 15 minutes to have this hearty meal ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once done, keep it covered and set aside for later.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches to avoid overcrowding, and brown them well on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the stew. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir these until they are well combined and aromatic.
4. Add the Tomato Paste:
Now, stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. This helps deepen the flavor of the stew and adds a nice richness.
5. Prepare for Thickening (Optional):
If you want to thicken your stew, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stir to combine, and cook for another minute. This will eliminate any raw flour taste and help create a nice, thick stew.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth while stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those bits are packed with flavor!
7. Add Veggies and Seasonings:
Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a gentle stir to combine all ingredients.
8. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are cooked thoroughly. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
9. Final Touches:
Once your beef stew is ready, remove the bay leaf and the thyme sprig if you used fresh. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a little more salt or pepper!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the beef stew hot over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a sprig of fresh rosemary for that extra touch. Enjoy this cozy, flavorful beef stew with rice—it’s a perfect meal for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Stew?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is commonly used, you can also opt for chuck roast, brisket, or round. The key is to choose cuts that have some fat and connective tissue, as they’ll become tender during the long cooking process.
What Should I Do If the Stew Is Too Thin?
If your stew turns out thinner than you’d like, you can thicken it by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, you can simmer it uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stew a day ahead! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove before serving. The rice should be cooked fresh to avoid it getting mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. If you have leftover rice, store it separately and reheat it just before serving to keep it fluffy!