Easy Beef and Vegetable Stew
High-protein comfort food that will fit your busy life! 🍲💪🏽
This beef stew is an easy go-to for a busy weeknight dinner. I love how I can dump it in the pressure cooker, hit start, and let time do the work.
As a family doc, new dad, and someone who still prioritizes training, I’m all about meals that are nutrient-dense, filling, and practical. This recipe has tender beef, plenty of veggies, rich flavor, and leftovers that reheat beautifully.
Perfect for cold nights, meal prep, or when you want something cozy without babysitting the stove.
Macros Per Serving (6 total servings of stew alone):
Calories: 525 cal
Protein: 43g
Fat: 27g
Carbs: 22g
Ingredients:
-2 lbs beef chuck, cut to 2-inch chunks
-4 cups beef or chicken broth
-2 cups pearl onions or large-diced sweet onion
-2 cups mixed frozen veggies
-2 cups mushrooms
-2 tbs minced garlic
-2 tbs tomato paste
-1 tsp onion powder
-1 tsp garlic powder
-1 tsp paprika
-1/2 tsp dried thyme
-1/2 tsp dried rosemary
-1/2 tsp black pepper
-cornstarch slurry (2 tbs cornstarch + 4 tbs water)
Instructions:
-add all of the ingredients except for the cornstarch slurry into the pressure cooker or slow cooker
-pressure cook for 30 min or slow cook on low for 6 hours
-after pressure cooking, mix in the cornstarch slurry and allow to saute and simmer for an addition 5 min until sauce thickens
-if slow cooking, add in the cornstarch slurry at the end and allow to simmer for another 20-30 min until sauce thickens
-serve with crusty bread or over pasta or rice
If you’re trying to eat better without having to spend much time cooking, then this one is for you!
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As someone who juggles a busy lifestyle, I’ve found that having a go-to meal like this easy beef and vegetable stew has been a game changer. Preparing it in a pressure cooker saves so much time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without constant attention. The combination of beef chuck with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, pearl onions, and frozen mixed veggies creates a balanced meal that both fuels and satisfies. One tip I’ve learned is to choose a good quality beef broth to deepen the stew’s flavor, and don’t skip the tomato paste and the selected herbs — paprika, thyme, and rosemary add a comforting aroma and complexity to the dish. Adding the cornstarch slurry at the end helps thicken the sauce perfectly, giving it that rich, stew-like consistency. For meal prep, I like to make a big batch and portion it out for the week. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stove, making it easy to grab a nutritious lunch or dinner even on the busiest days. Serving it with crusty bread or over steamed rice transforms it into a complete comforting meal. This recipe is also flexible; you can swap in seasonal vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste. For those watching macros or focusing on high-protein meals, the 43g of protein per serving makes it an excellent choice for post-workout recovery or sustained energy. Overall, this stew is a perfect example of how nutritious, delicious, and time-saving cooking can come together in one pot.
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