Description
This hearty beef and sweet potato stew is a comforting one-pot meal made with tender chunks of beef, sweet potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs. Slowly simmered in a rich beef broth with tomato paste, thyme, and cumin, it’s full of warm, savory flavor and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and season with salt and pepper. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and cumin, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Add the beef back into the pot along with the diced sweet potatoes, bay leaf, and beef broth.
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.
- After simmering, taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers.
- Cut the beef and sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces for more even cooking.
- For a thicker stew, uncover the pot during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
- If the stew becomes too thick, add a little extra beef broth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish, Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American