There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty beef stew to comfort and nourish on a cold day, and when combined with rice, it’s a fulfilling meal that embodies the essence of comfort food. From winter nights by the fireplace to rainy weekends, this dish will bring both warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 cup white rice
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
Equipments
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
How to Make Beef Stew with Rice – Step By Step
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and enhances the stew.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the beef to the pot and add in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the tomato paste is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the stew to cook for about an hour and a half, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
While the stew is simmering, prepare the rice separately according to package instructions. This ensures each grain is perfectly cooked and ready to complement the stew.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the stew is ready and the rice is cooked, serve a generous portion of stew over a bed of steaming rice. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this comforting meal!
How to Serve Beef Stew with Rice
Beef stew with rice is best enjoyed on its own as a hearty main dish. For an added touch of freshness, consider accompanying it with a side salad or steamed green vegetables. This dish pairs excellently with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every drop of the rich stew.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Pat the beef dry with paper towels before searing for a better crust. Adjust seasoning to your liking, and consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of chili flakes for a delightful twist.
Boost Your Protein: Beef Stew Supreme
For those wanting a high protein twist, consider adding kidney beans or chickpeas to your stew. These legumes blend well with beef, offering additional texture and nutritional value. Pair this version with quinoa instead of rice to further elevate the protein content of the dish.
Lowering Carbs: An Innovative Approach to Beef Stew
To enjoy a low-carb version of this delicious dish, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets and swap the rice for cauliflower rice. These alternatives maintain the comforting essence of the stew and take the carb content down without compromising on flavor.
Storage Instructions
Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing. Store in airtight containers and it should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
- How can I thicken my stew? You can thicken the stew by simmering it uncovered or by adding a cornstarch slurry.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, sear the beef and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring everything to a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low.
- What is the best cut of beef for stew? Beef chuck or brisket work well as they become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly in the stew.
- Can I make this stew ahead of time? Absolutely, the flavors develop even more if made a day before. Simply heat it gently before serving.
Enjoy and Share Your Stew Experience!
This beef stew with rice is more than just a meal—it’s a delicious experience to be shared with friends and loved ones. Try this recipe and let us know how it went in the comments. Don’t forget to share your culinary creation on social media with the hashtag #BeefStewMagic 🍲!
Beef Stew with Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- white rice
- beef broth
- vegetable oil
- carrots
- potatoes
- onion
- garlic
- diced tomatoes
- tomato paste
- dried thyme
- salt and pepper
- bay leaf
Instructions
Steps
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides.
- Remove beef and set aside. Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until soft.
- Return beef to the pot with carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 1.5 hours or until beef is tender.
- Cook rice as per package instructions. Serve the stew over cooked rice and enjoy.