Stovetop Beef Stew For Two
Introduction
Cozy, flavorful, and undeniably comforting, this Stovetop Beef Stew For Two recipe delivers all the hearty satisfaction of classic beef stew without filling your fridge with leftovers. Its rich sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked vegetables make it ideal for date night, a quiet evening in, or any time you crave a fulfilling homemade meal in a manageable serving.
Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Beef Stew
This recipe stands out for its deep, savory flavor developed in a single pot—no oven required. Browning the beef, sautéing aromatics, and simmering all the ingredients together creates a stew with melt-in-your-mouth meat and vegetables that soak up every drop of luscious sauce. It’s comfort food scaled down—effortless to prepare and ready in about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
Key Techniques for the Perfect Stew
Achieving tender beef and perfectly cooked veggies on the stovetop is all about the right tools and timing. Start by using a sturdy skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. Browning the beef first in batches ensures maximum flavor. Sautéing vegetables before simmering also builds depth and sweetness.
For even, effortless vegetable prep, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper guarantees uniform pieces that cook at the same rate, delivering that classic stew texture in every bite.
Stovetop Beef Stew For Two Ingredients
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss cubed beef with flour, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
- Heat a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Brown beef on all sides in batches (do not crowd the pan), about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer beef to a plate.
- In the same pan, add onion, carrot, and celery. Let cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; sauté for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Return beef to the skillet with potatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef and vegetables are tender.
- Uncover, add peas, and cook another 3-4 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Serving, Storing, and Reheating Beef Stew
This stew is best enjoyed straight from the pot, but you can prepare it ahead and store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep it fresh for the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen as needed.
To streamline prep and enjoy your meal on the go, a Bentgo Salad Container is the perfect way to pack a single serving for work or lunch.
Tips for Tender Beef and Enhanced Flavor
– Cut your beef into equal-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Use a dedicated Bamboo Cutting Board for meat prep to keep surfaces safe and organized.
– Don’t skip browning the beef, as it deepens stew flavor and creates delicious caramelization.
– Check beef doneness with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking for perfect tenderness—look for an internal temperature of about 195°F for optimal texture.
Nutrition and Yield
This stovetop beef stew serves two hearty portions. Each serving contains approximately 410 calories, 32g protein, 15g fat, and 24g carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal without excess.
Stovetop Beef Stew For Two (Recap)
With soulful flavor, simple stovetop prep, and a perfectly portioned serving size, this recipe brings beef stew back to basics—comforting, quick, and ideal for two. Pair it with crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a restaurant-worthy meal, all in the comfort of your own kitchen.