Print

Cozy Poor Mans Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

poor mans beef stew - featured image
Print Recipe

A humble, budget-friendly beef stew that delivers deep, rich flavor through simple ingredients and slow simmering. Perfect for a cozy, comforting meal that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss the beef with the flour until lightly coated. Shake off excess flour.
  2. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add the beef in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deep brown. Flip and repeat. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until darkened. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir, scraping up any remaining browned bits.
  5. Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  6. After 1 hour, add potatoes, carrots, and celery (if using). Stir, cover, and continue simmering for 30-40 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender.
  7. Remove bay leaf and discard. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If stew is too thin, simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

Notes

For best results, don’t skip the browning step—it builds deep flavor. Patience is key: low and slow simmering ensures tender beef. Season in layers for complexity. Let the stew rest for 15-20 minutes off the heat before serving; flavors meld and broth thickens. The stew tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, poor man's stew, comfort food, one-pot meal, budget-friendly, hearty stew, fall-apart beef, slow-cooked stew

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/cozy-poor-mans-beef-stew-with-potatoes-and-carrots-recipe/