When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something hearty, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of One Pot Beef Stew. This comforting dish comes together in a single pot, making it ideal for both flavor and convenience. Every bite is packed with savory beef, soft vegetables, and a rich broth that develops slowly as it simmers on the stove.
Perfect for relaxed weekends, family dinners, or prepping ahead for the week, this stew is simple to make and deeply satisfying. You don’t need fancy ingredients or techniques to make something truly memorable and nourishing.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one pot meal is easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for busy schedules. The stew meat becomes tender over time, while the vegetables absorb all the delicious juices. It stores well, reheats easily, and is freezer-friendly, making it a smart option for leftovers or make-ahead dinners. With everything cooking in one pot, cleanup is fast and stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this stew and why each ingredient plays an important role.
Grapeseed Oil (1 tablespoon): Ideal for high-temperature cooking, this oil helps sear the beef to lock in flavor.
Beef Stew Meat (2 pounds): Cuts like chuck roast work best, becoming wonderfully tender when simmered slowly.
Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Classic seasoning that enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Coats the beef, helping to thicken the stew as it cooks.
Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Adds rich depth and brings balance to the dish’s savory notes.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Introduces a slightly tangy, umami-rich flavor that boosts the broth.
Garlic Cloves (2 whole): Adds gentle warmth and aroma throughout the stew.
Carrots (5, peeled and sliced): Provide sweetness and bright color.
Parsnips (4, peeled and sliced): Offer a mild earthiness that complements the carrots.
Celery (4 stalks, diced): Delivers a subtle bitterness and aromatic flavor.
Onion (1, diced): Breaks down as it cooks, infusing the stew with natural sweetness.
White Potatoes (3, chopped): Help make the stew more filling while soaking up the rich broth.
Bay Leaf (1): Adds subtle herbal flavor while the stew simmers.
Canned Diced Tomatoes (14 oz with liquid): Brings acidity and enhances the base of the broth.
Beef Broth (14 oz): Forms the savory liquid base of the stew.
Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Stirred in at the end to add freshness and color.
Frozen Green Peas (1 cup): Provide a light, sweet bite and vibrant green color.
Each ingredient adds something unique, working together to create a balanced, hearty meal.
How to Make One Pot Beef Stew
Making this stew is all about layering flavor. Start by searing the beef to build a strong foundation, then slowly simmer the broth and vegetables to blend everything together. The process is straightforward, and your patience is rewarded with deep, rich flavors and incredibly tender meat.
The result is a rustic, warming dish that feels both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. Plus, it’s all done in one pot, which keeps things simple in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Meat
Place a heavy pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat and add grapeseed oil. Add the beef, season with salt and pepper, and sear for about 10 minutes. Keep the lid partially on to prevent splattering while allowing the meat to brown. - Add Coating and Flavor Boosters
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic cloves. Stir everything together and cook for about one minute to bring out the flavor. - Pour in Liquids
Add the canned diced tomatoes and beef broth to the pot. Stir well. Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 1 hour. - Add the Vegetables
After one hour, stir in the carrots, parsnips, celery, onion, and potatoes. Drop in the bay leaf. Cover and continue simmering for another hour, stirring occasionally. - Finish with Peas and Parsley
Add the peas and chopped parsley, stir, and let the stew cook for an additional 10 minutes. This step helps preserve their color and texture. - Serve Warm
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust the seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
Choose a thick-bottomed pot to help cook everything evenly and prevent burning on the bottom.
Keep vegetable sizes consistent so they cook at the same rate.
Allow the meat to brown well in the beginning. This adds more flavor to the final stew.
Simmer slowly and don’t rush the cooking time. The longer the meat cooks, the more tender it becomes.
This dish freezes well, so feel free to double the recipe for future meals.
Details
Flavor: Rich and savory with a balance of sweet root vegetables
Texture: Soft, tender beef with fork-tender vegetables
Occasion: Ideal for cold weather, family meals, or make-ahead dinners
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Notes
If you don’t have parsnips, try using turnips or more carrots. Sweet potatoes can also be used for a slightly different flavor. A splash of red wine can add a deeper note to the broth, especially if you’re serving guests. If Worcestershire sauce isn’t available, mix soy sauce with a dash of balsamic vinegar as a quick alternative.
This stew holds up well overnight, making it a great recipe to prepare ahead of time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 441 kcal |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef works best for one pot beef stew?
Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender during long, slow cooking and has just the right amount of fat.
How long does beef stew take to cook in one pot?
The total cook time is around two and a half hours, including prep, searing, and simmering.
How do you keep beef tender in a one pot stew?
Low heat and long cooking time are essential. Avoid boiling too hard and let the beef slowly break down.
Can one pot beef stew be made ahead of time?
Yes. The flavor improves as it sits, making it even better the next day. Store in the refrigerator or freeze in portions.
Storage Instructions
Let the stew cool fully before placing it into containers. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you’re freezing it, divide into meal-sized portions and store for up to three months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Print
One Pot Beef Stew | Ultimate Winter Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This one pot beef stew features tender beef, root vegetables, and a savory broth simmered to perfection. A comforting and nourishing meal, all made in one pot.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Grapeseed Oil
2 pounds Lean Beef Stew Meat
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
2 cloves Garlic (whole)
5 Carrots, peeled and sliced
4 Parsnips, peeled and sliced
4 stalks Celery, diced
1 Onion, diced
3 White Potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 Bay Leaf
14 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes (with liquid)
14 oz Beef Broth
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley
1 cup Frozen Green Peas
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef, season with salt and pepper, and sear for about 10 minutes until browned.
2. Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic cloves. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Add carrots, parsnips, celery, onion, potatoes, and bay leaf. Stir and cover. Simmer for another hour.
5. Stir in parsley and peas. Cover again and cook for 10 more minutes.
6. Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Swap parsnips for turnips or additional carrots.
Use sweet potatoes for a twist.
Add red wine for extra richness.
This dish can be made ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 441
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 95
Conclusion
This One Pot Beef Stew is the kind of dish that feels like home. It’s rich, filling, and made with care, using simple ingredients that become something special with time. Perfect for cold evenings or when you want to cook once and eat well for days. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it brings to your table.