Cozy Up with Hearty Vegetable-Meat Stew: The Ultimate Lunchtime Comfort! 🍲🥕🥩

When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving a comforting meal, nothing beats a steaming bowl of hearty vegetable-meat stew. This classic dish combines tender meat with a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a robust, flavorful stew that’s perfect for a satisfying lunchtime comfort. Easy to prepare and even better when enjoyed as leftovers, this stew is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.

What Makes This Stew So Special?
This vegetable-meat stew stands out for its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. The combination of meat and vegetables creates a balanced meal that’s both hearty and nutritious. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish that’s ideal for any day of the week.

Ingredients
1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces (or substitute with lamb or chicken)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
4 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
1. Sear the Meat:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

3. Combine Ingredients:

Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans.

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef or vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Simmer the Stew:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix the flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

5. Serve:

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy hot.

Tips for Perfect Stew
Use Quality Meat: For the best results, choose well-marbled beef that will become tender during the slow cooking process.

Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or peas to suit your taste and what you have on hand.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste the stew towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasonings as needed to enhance the flavor.

Why This Stew Works
This hearty vegetable-meat stew is a quintessential comfort food that delivers both flavor and nourishment. The combination of tender meat and flavorful vegetables in a savory broth creates a meal that is satisfying and filling. The slow cooking method allows the ingredients to develop rich, deep flavors, making each bite a comforting experience.

Perfect for a cozy lunch or a family dinner, this stew is versatile and can be enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. Leftovers also make for a great next-day meal, as the flavors continue to deepen and enhance.

By making this hearty vegetable-meat stew, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re creating a comforting experience that will warm you from the inside out. Enjoy the ultimate lunchtime comfort with this classic, satisfying dish! 🍲🥕🥩