If you’re searching for a cozy dinner that simmers with rich flavor and wholesome goodness, look no further than this Beef and Pea Stew Recipe. Fork-tender chunks of beef, sweet carrots, and vibrant green peas all come together in a savory, spiced broth that fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. This Mediterranean-inspired stew is everything you crave when you want hearty comfort food—simple ingredients, one pot, and a dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef and Pea Stew Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome components. Each ingredient has a specific role, from building luscious depth to popping a splash of color onto your plate. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make your stew shine:
- Beef Stew Meat (1½ pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose well-marbled stew beef so your stew turns out juicy and meltingly tender.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich, fruity base and brings everything together with Mediterranean flair.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): The base of almost every great stew, onions break down and sweeten the entire pot.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Don’t skip this—just a few cloves wake up every flavor in the stew.
- Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Deepens the broth and adds that irresistible umami hit.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Smoked or sweet, paprika lends a gentle warmth and beautiful color.
- Ground Cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthy note that perfectly complements the beef.
- Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon): Infuses the stew with herby, aromatic layers.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for drawing out all the big flavors—be generous but taste as you go.
- Beef Broth (4 cups): The foundation of your stew, giving it robust depth.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 cup, canned or fresh): Brings brightness, tang, and a touch of sweetness to the mix.
- Carrots (2 medium, sliced): A pop of color and natural sweetness that holds up beautifully in the simmer.
- Frozen Green Peas (1 cup): Tossed in at the end, peas add vibrancy and a delicate texture.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): A final scatter of green for freshness and a pretty finish.
How to Make Beef and Pea Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Searing the beef gives your stew an incredible depth of flavor and locks in juiciness—be patient and let each piece brown, then set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In that same pot, drop in your chopped onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onions to turn soft and translucent, soaking up all those tasty browned bits left from the beef. Next, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Let them cook for just about a minute to bloom their flavors and give everything a rich, savory base.
Step 3: Season and Combine
Sprinkle in the paprika, ground cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so that the onions are evenly coated with all those warm spices—this is what gives the Beef and Pea Stew Recipe its signature aromatic edge. Return the browned beef (and any juices) back to the pot for full flavor impact.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes. Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it work its magic for 1½ to 2 hours. This slow simmer is the secret—your beef will turn wonderfully tender, and the broth will become silky and satisfying.
Step 5: Add the Carrots
Uncover the pot and add in the sliced carrots. Simmer everything for an additional 20 minutes, just until the carrots are tender but still have a little bite left. This way, they won’t turn mushy.
Step 6: Finish with Peas
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, until they’re heated through and vividly green. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like, sprinkle over fresh parsley right before serving for a burst of brightness!
How to Serve Beef and Pea Stew Recipe
Garnishes
To finish your Beef and Pea Stew Recipe, a handful of chopped fresh parsley adds both flavor and a pop of color. If you want to dial up the richness, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a dusting of finely grated Parmesan cheese works beautifully, balancing the savory depth of the stew.
Side Dishes
This stew practically begs for something on the side to soak up its savory juices. You can’t go wrong with crusty bread (think ciabatta, sourdough, or a warm baguette). For gluten-free options, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of fluffy rice—each bite soaks up that aromatic broth in the most delightful way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try ladling the Beef and Pea Stew Recipe over buttered egg noodles for a hearty, homey meal. If you’re entertaining, use shallow bowls and top each serving with a swirl of herbed olive oil and extra peas for color. Or, serve it in mini bread bowls for a show-stopping dinner party presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Pea Stew Recipe stores beautifully. Cool the stew to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 4 days, and some say it tastes even better after a night’s rest, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for future meals, this stew freezes like a dream. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags (leaving a bit of space for expansion). The Beef and Pea Stew Recipe will keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Gently reheat your stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it has thickened a bit too much, loosen it with a splash of broth or water. For quick lunches, you can use the microwave; cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient, cuts like chuck or brisket work beautifully in the Beef and Pea Stew Recipe because of their marbling and ability to break down into tender morsels during the long simmer.
Do I have to use frozen peas, or can I use fresh?
You can use either! Frozen peas are wonderfully convenient and retain their bright color, but when fresh peas are in season, they are delicious and add an extra springlike pop to the Beef and Pea Stew Recipe.
How can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
It’s simple—just follow the early steps to brown your beef and sauté the onions and aromatics, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Set to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, adding the peas in the last 30 minutes to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Can I make this Beef and Pea Stew Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! This stew is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free. Double check your ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with celiac sensitivity.
How do I make the stew richer in flavor?
For an extra boost, deglaze your pot with a splash of red wine after sautéing the onions and before adding the broth. You can also finish the Beef and Pea Stew Recipe with a small pat of butter or a drizzle of good olive oil for added richness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that comforts, satisfies, and brings everyone to the table, this Beef and Pea Stew Recipe is ready to become your new favorite. I can’t wait for you to savor each spoonful—go ahead and give it a try soon!
Print
Beef and Pea Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Beef and Pea Stew recipe that is perfect for a cozy meal. Tender beef cubes simmered with vegetables and flavorful spices in a savory broth, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 1½ pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Spices:
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot, brown beef cubes, and set aside.
- Saute Aromatics: Cook onion until softened, add garlic and tomato paste.
- Season and Simmer: Add spices, return beef to pot, pour in broth and tomatoes, simmer until tender.
- Add Vegetables: Include carrots, simmer, then add peas and cook until heated through.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- This stew can also be prepared in a slow cooker for added convenience.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes to enjoy the stew fully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
