stew beef and rice recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best stew beef and rice recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes, a hearty and comforting stew beef and rice dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a testament to the power of simple, home-cooked meals that bring people together. The story behind this recipe begins in my childhood, where my mother would often make it for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings. She’d spend hours in the kitchen, carefully browning the beef, cooking the rice, and letting the flavors meld together.

The result was always a rich, savory broth that seemed to fill the entire house with its aroma. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the technique behind this recipe. The key is in the slow cooking process, where the beef becomes tender and falls apart easily. My mother would always say that the secret to a good stew is in letting it cook slowly over low heat, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.

This technique not only makes the dish more flavorful but also tenderizes the beef, making it a joy to eat. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. We can serve it as a main course or as a side dish. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even just a quick weeknight dinner.

And let me tell you, it’s always a hit with my kids! They love helping me in the kitchen, browning the beef and stirring the pot. It’s a great way to get them involved in meal planning and cooking. Of course, one of the best things about this recipe is its health benefits.

By using lean beef and brown rice, we’re getting a good dose of protein and fiber without all the added sugars and preservatives found in many processed foods. And let’s not forget about all those vitamins and minerals from the vegetables! It’s truly a nutritious meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied without any guilt. So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further!

This stew beef and rice recipe is sure to become a staple in your household just like it has in mine.

Hearty Beef and Rice Stew

4.6 from 1045 votes

A comforting one-pot stew with tender beef and fluffy rice simmered in a savory broth. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stew

1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 cup frozen peas

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the beef cubes in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
3Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pot.
4Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
5Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
6Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
8Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
9Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until the beef is fork-tender.
10Stir in the rice, increase heat to medium, and bring the stew back to a gentle boil.
11Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
12The stew should be thick and hearty.
13Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaf.
14Stir in the frozen peas and let the stew sit covered for 5 minutes to warm the peas through.
15Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce with the broth. You can substitute brown rice, but increase the simmering time to 40-45 minutes and add an extra 1/2 cup of broth.

Watch Video Of How Hearty Beef and Rice Stew Works

This stew beef and rice recipe is truly a classic for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need something quick and easy on a busy weeknight. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

One tip I want to share is to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. When reheating, simply add some hot water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Beef and Rice Stew

Q: What type of beef should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using leaner cuts of beef such as sirloin or round. These cuts are perfect for slow cooking and will result in tender meat that’s easy to shred.

Q: Can I use other types of grains instead of rice?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with other grains such as quinoa or barley! Just keep in mind that these grains may change the flavor profile of your stew slightly.

Q: How long should I cook this stew?

The cooking time will depend on your personal preference for tenderness. As a general rule of thumb, cook your stew for at least 1 hour on low heat or 30 minutes on high heat.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

This stew can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat it gently over low heat.

Q: What vegetables should I add to this recipe?

You can add any variety of vegetables you like! Some popular options include carrots, potatoes, peas, or green beans.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting beef with cubed portobello mushrooms or another type of mushroom variety.

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