Beef and Pea Stew Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a pot of stew simmering away on your stove. This Beef and Pea Stew Recipe is everything you could want on a chilly day: rich, meaty, and layered with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Each spoonful is packed with tender beef, vibrant peas, and sweet carrots, all bathed in a tomato-rich broth. Whether you’re serving your family a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a rustic home-cooked meal, this hearty stew never fails to warm hearts (and bellies!). Trust me, this dish is about to become your go-to recipe whenever you crave a bowl of classic comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No need to overcomplicate things! The beauty of this Beef and Pea Stew Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Every element brings something essential—tenderness from the beef, pops of color and sweetness from the peas and carrots, and lots of savory depth from those Mediterranean spices.
- Beef stew meat: For melt-in-your-mouth bites, use well-marbled cuts like chuck or round, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop that irresistible brown sear on the beef.
- Onion: The aromatic foundation, imparting natural sweetness as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Brings a bold, savory note—don’t skimp on these little flavor bombs!
- Tomato paste: Deepens the color and lends a concentrated tomato flavor to the stew.
- Paprika: Supplies gentle warmth and a gorgeous reddish hue.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and balances the sweetness of the vegetables.
- Dried thyme: Infuses the broth with herbal notes and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, ensuring robust flavor throughout.
- Beef broth: The soul of the stew! Use a good-quality broth to bring everything together.
- Diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they add juiciness and brightness to the dish.
- Carrots: Bring sweetness and color, plus they hold up beautifully during long simmering.
- Bay leaf: Subtle but crucial—a fragrant background note that ties the stew together.
- Frozen green peas: Add them at the end for bursts of bright flavor and lovely color.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and a final flourish.
How to Make Beef and Pea Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Set a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, swirling in the olive oil until it shimmers. Pat the beef cubes dry, season them with salt and pepper, then work in batches to brown them on all sides—this is key for that deep, savory foundation. Don’t rush this part! Once browned, set the beef aside on a plate, but don’t clean the pot; all those browned bits are pure flavor magic.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Aromatics
Lower the heat if needed and add chopped onion to the pot. Sauté gently, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom. After 4–5 minutes, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, and thyme. Let everything sizzle for about a minute until your kitchen smells absolutely incredible—this is your flavor base for the whole Beef and Pea Stew Recipe!
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Return your browned beef (and any collected juices) to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir, then bring it up to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. You’re aiming for fork-tender beef and carrots, with all the flavors melding together harmoniously.
Step 4: Add the Peas
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen green peas. They cook quickly and add a fresh pop of sweetness and verdant color. Simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until the peas are perfectly heated through, and don’t forget to fish out that bay leaf at the end.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Taste your stew and tweak the seasoning with extra salt and freshly ground pepper if needed. Right before serving, scatter over some chopped fresh parsley—this optional touch brightens things up and makes your bowl look extra inviting. Ladle up the Beef and Pea Stew Recipe and serve it piping hot with your favorite comfort side.
How to Serve Beef and Pea Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh parsley or a twist of cracked black pepper always lifts the finished stew. If you’re feeling fancy, add a drizzle of good olive oil or even some crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. These garnishes don’t just look good—they enhance the flavors and make each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
You simply can’t go wrong with a warm, crusty loaf of bread to mop up every drop of stew. Creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even buttery couscous all make fabulous partners to the Beef and Pea Stew Recipe. They soak up the deeply savory broth and turn your bowl into a complete, soul-satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to change things up, serve your stew in individual bread bowls for a rustic dinner-party vibe. You can also ladle it over a bed of polenta or roasted sweet potatoes for a unique twist. For gatherings, I love setting up a big stew pot at the center of the table with a selection of topping bowls—fresh herbs, chili flakes, or lemon wedges—so everyone can customize their Beef and Pea Stew Recipe just how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stew is a beautiful thing—it only gets better as the flavors deepen overnight. Let your Beef and Pea Stew Recipe cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. Remember to chill it within two hours of cooking for food safety.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal planning! Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (lay them flat for easy stacking). Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the stew into a pot and warm gently over medium-low heat until piping hot, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through, for a speedy weeknight dinner.
FAQs
Can I make the Beef and Pea Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first for the best flavor, then transfer everything (except the peas and parsley) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours, and add the peas in the last 30 minutes. Finish with parsley before serving.
What is the best cut of beef for this stew?
For the most tender and flavorful results, use beef chuck or similar well-marbled cuts. These cuts become deliciously tender when slow-cooked, making them ideal for this Beef and Pea Stew Recipe.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas work beautifully—they’ll only need a few minutes to cook through at the end. Just stir them in when you would add frozen peas, simmer briefly, and serve.
Is this Beef and Pea Stew Recipe gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your beef broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free if you’re especially sensitive.
How can I make this stew more spicy?
There are lots of easy ways to add heat! Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the spices, or finish with a splash of hot sauce at the table to give your Beef and Pea Stew Recipe a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a steaming pot of Beef and Pea Stew Recipe with the people you love. It’s hearty, nourishing, and truly packed with flavor—plus, it tastes even better the next day! Grab your ingredients, gather around the kitchen, and enjoy this comforting classic. You’ll be making this again and again—I just know it!
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Beef and Pea Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Beef and Pea Stew recipe that is perfect for a cozy meal. This stew features tender beef, sweet peas, and aromatic spices in a flavorful broth. Serve with your favorite side for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 cups frozen green peas
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot, brown beef cubes, and set aside.
- Saute Seasonings: Cook onion until softened, add garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, and thyme, cook until fragrant.
- Cook Stew: Return beef to the pot, add broth, tomatoes, carrots, bay leaf, simmer until beef is tender.
- Add Peas: Stir in peas, cook until heated through. Adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This stew can be made in a slow cooker by cooking on low for 7–8 hours. Add peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
