Simple Comfort Food: Hearty Beef Stew for Two

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of beef stew, especially when it’s just the two of you. It’s like a hug in a bowl—rich, hearty, and so satisfying. But who wants to make a giant pot just for two? With this simple beef stew recipe, we’ll create a meal that’s big on flavor, but not on leftovers!

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

You’ll need some tender beef stew meat (about a pound should do), a few basic veggies, and some beef broth. Let’s get started!

• Beef stew meat (1 lb)
• Olive oil (2 tbsp)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• Tomato paste (1 tbsp)
• Dried thyme (1 tsp)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Salt & pepper to taste

You’ll also need a heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven, a sharp knife, and a cutting board to get everything prepped. Plus, don’t forget a ladle for serving!

Let’s Cook!

Start by prepping all the ingredients—chop the vegetables, mince the garlic, and cut the beef into bite-sized cubes. It doesn’t take long, and it’s always worth it to have everything ready to go.

Next, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, making sure each piece gets a nice sear. When the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the aroma fills your kitchen. Oh, this is where the magic happens!

Now, throw the beef back into the pot along with the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the stew to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes until the beef is nice and tender.

Now it’s time to add the potatoes. Toss them in and let the stew simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and everything is well combined. Your stew should be rich, comforting, and ready to enjoy!

Nonna’s Tip:

For extra flavor, brown the beef in batches. This way, you get a nice caramelization on each piece, which adds so much depth to your stew. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!

Food Storage Tips

If you end up with leftovers (which is rare, but it happens), store the stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for an easy lunch the next day. Or, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready for a quick and cozy meal.

Batch Cooking/Make-Ahead Tips

This stew is fantastic for batch cooking. Make a double batch and freeze the extra portion for another time. It’s a lifesaver on those days when you don’t feel like cooking but still want a hearty meal on the table. Simply reheat and enjoy!

A Cozy, Comforting Meal for Two

There you have it—an easy, cozy beef stew recipe for two that will warm you from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a craving for comfort food, this stew is the perfect solution. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort!

Did you enjoy making this beef stew? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment below! And if you’re looking for more easy recipes, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for weekly meal ideas delivered straight to your inbox!

What’s Coming Up Next?

I’ve got more delicious, easy meals coming your way! Here are a few of the recipes and tips you can look forward to:

• “How to Make the Best Pot Roast for Two”
• “5 Hearty Soup Recipes for Cold Days”
• “One-Pot Dinners That Make Clean-Up a Breeze”
• “Meal Prep Tips for Busy Weeknights”
• “How to Customize Your Stew: Flavor Ideas to Try”

Be sure to stay tuned—there’s always something new to try in the kitchen!