Beef Stew with Tomato Sauce Recipe

When the temperature drops and you’re craving something cozy, a beef stew with tomato sauce recipe is the ultimate go-to. It’s a hearty, warm meal that doesn’t require much effort but feels incredibly satisfying. This hassle-free recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on evenings when I want to enjoy rich, comforting flavors without spending hours over the stove. The tender beef and savory tomato sauce combine to create a flavor that’s simply irresistible.

This stove-top beef stew is made with chunks of beef, slowly simmered with fresh vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions. As everything cooks together, the tomato sauce thickens and absorbs into the ingredients, making every bite flavorful and nourishing. What I love most is how it makes your kitchen smell like a five-star meal is on the way. With no fancy tools or complicated steps, it’s the perfect one-pot dinner idea that anyone can master.

Whether you serve it with crusty bread, spoon it over rice, or pack it up for weekday lunches, this classic comfort food delivers every time. The blend of slow-cooked vegetables, savory meat, and lightly sweet tomato sauce hits all the right notes. It’s perfect for a family dinner or even meal prep, bringing that sense of “home in a bowl” with every serving. Once you try it, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect beef stew with tomato sauce recipe. From selecting the best cuts of beef to exploring different cooking methods like stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also share tips on how to enhance the flavor, store leftovers, and serve the stew for maximum enjoyment.

Ingredients for Beef Stew with Tomato Sauce Recipe

To create a delicious beef stew with tomato sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• Beef Chuck: 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
• Onion: 1 large, chopped.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Carrots: 3, peeled and sliced.
• Celery Stalks: 2, chopped.
• Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and diced.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces).
• Beef Broth: 2 cups.
• Bay Leaves: 2.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Optional Add-ins

• Red Wine: 1/2 cup, for depth of flavor.
• Peas: 1 cup, added during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon, for umami.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Stovetop Method)

• Sear the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Deglaze the Pot: Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes. Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
• Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender.
• Add Potatoes: Add diced potatoes and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, until potatoes are cooked through.
• Final Touches: If adding peas, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Alternate Cooking Methods

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

• Sear Beef: Optional but recommended for flavor.
• Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients into the slow cooker
• Cook: Set on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender

Instant Pot Beef Stew

• Sear Beef: Use the sauté function to brown beef cubes.
• Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until softened.
• Deglaze: Add tomato paste and red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot.
• Pressure Cook: Add remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing.

Best Cut of Beef for Stew

Choosing the right cut of beef is crucial for a tender and flavorful stew.

Recommended Cuts

• Chuck: Well-marbled and becomes tender when cooked slowly.
• Brisket: Rich in flavor, ideal for slow cooking.
• Short Ribs: Adds depth and richness.
• Oxtail: Gelatinous and flavorful, perfect for hearty stews.

These cuts are high in collagen, which breaks down during cooking to create a tender texture and rich flavor.

Why Searing the Beef Matters (or Not)

Searing beef before stewing is a debated topic among cooks.

Benefits of Searing

• Flavor Development: Creates a Maillard reaction, adding depth.
• Texture: Adds a slight crust to the meat.
• Color: Enhances the visual appeal of the stew.

When to Skip Searing

• Time Constraints: If short on time, you can skip this step.
• Preference: Some prefer a softer texture without searing.

While searing adds flavor, it’s not mandatory. The stew will still be delicious without it.

Tips for the Perfect Tomato-Based Stew

• Use Quality Tomatoes: Opt for canned San Marzano tomatoes for a rich flavor.
• Balance Acidity: Add a pinch of sugar if the stew tastes too acidic.
• Thicken Naturally: Let the stew simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.
• Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for brightness.

Serving Suggestions

Beef stew with tomato sauce pairs well with:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: A creamy base for the stew.
• Rice: Absorbs the flavors beautifully.
• Polenta: Adds a unique texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container, stirring every 2 minutes until hot.

More Hearty Soup & Stew Recipes

• Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
• Lentil and Vegetable Stew
• Creamy Mushroom Soup
• Spicy Chili Con Carne

Printable Beef Stew with Tomato Sauce Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Sear beef in olive oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

• Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to enhance its richness.
• Deglaze the pot with red wine (optional) or a bit of broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
• Return the beef to the pot along with crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
• Lower the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, covered, stirring occasionally.
• Add the diced potatoes, cooking for another 30 minutes until they’re tender.
• Optional: Add peas or a splash of Worcestershire sauce during the last 10 minutes.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove bay leaves.
• Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Real-World Case Study: How One UAE Chef Elevated a Classic

Chef Samira, a Dubai-based culinary instructor, started offering “family stew meal prep kits” during the pandemic. Her signature tomato beef stew used local Emirati beef, vine-ripened tomatoes, and traditional Gulf spices like loomi (dried lime) and cardamom for a regional twist.

📌 Result? Her kits were featured on UAE food blogs, and she saw a 300% increase in orders within three months. The key? She combined classic comfort with local flavors and made it easy to prepare.

This proves that a simple beef stew with tomato sauce recipe can be customized to different tastes and still be successful, especially in the UAE, where there’s a growing demand for home-cooked, wholesome meals with a cultural edge.

Comparison Table: Stovetop vs. Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot

Verdict:
Choose stovetop for depth of flavor, slow cooker for hands-free cooking, or Instant Pot when you’re short on time.

UAE-Specific Flavor Enhancements

To give your beef stew with tomato sauce recipe a Middle Eastern or UAE-inspired twist, try adding:

• Loomi (dried black lime): For a tangy citrus note.
• Cinnamon stick: Common in Gulf stews for warmth.
• Cardamom pods: Add fragrance and depth.
• Fresh coriander (cilantro): Stir in at the end for a bright finish.

These ingredients add regional flair and may even appeal to the local palate more than the classic version.

Health Benefits of Tomato-Based Stews

Beef stew with tomato sauce recipe isn’t just hearty- it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” –  James Beard

Semantic SEO & NLP Keyword Optimization (UAE-Focused)

To ensure this article ranks well for UAE-based food blogs and local searches, here are the semantic and NLP keywords used throughout:

• Beef stew with tomato sauce
• Easy beef stew recipe
• Best beef stew in the UAE
• Home-cooked Emirati meals
• Slow cooker stew UAE
• Arabic-style beef stew
• Dubai home cooking
• Traditional beef stew with tomato
• Healthy beef tomato stew
• Comfort food in the UAE

These keywords not only align with Google’s NLP algorithms but also match searcher intent in the UAE region.

Easy-to-Understand Keywords Glossary

Make-Ahead & Batch Cooking Tips

Want to meal prep? This stew is perfect for batch cooking.

• Double the recipe and freeze in portions.
• Store in microwave-safe glass containers for work lunches.
• Add different sides (like rice, couscous, or pasta) each day to change it up.

Bonus: The flavors deepen over time, so it tastes even better the next day.

Beverage Pairing Suggestions

Pair your stew with:

• Red wine: A bold Shiraz or Merlot.
• Arabic tea with mint: A refreshing contrast.
• Fresh lemon water: To cleanse the palate.

Summary: Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Simple to make with everyday ingredients.
• Versatile– can be made on the stove, in the slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
• Nutritious and hearty– perfect for family dinners.
• UAE-inspired versions give it a local flair.
• Perfect for meal prep and batch cooking.

Final Thoughts

Beef stew with tomato sauce recipe is truly a timeless classic that fits perfectly into any home-cooked meal rotation. Its rich, savory flavors and hearty ingredients make it an ideal dish for comfort food lovers and those looking for a nutritious, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop, using a slow cooker, or opting for an Instant Pot, this recipe adapts well to your lifestyle and schedule.

What makes this stew stand out is its simplicity paired with versatility. With just a few quality ingredients –  tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich tomato sauce –  you can create a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices or local UAE flavors, giving it a unique twist that reflects your taste and culture.

Another big plus is how this stew is perfect for batch cooking and meal prep. It freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It’s a practical choice for busy families or anyone wanting to plan without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Additionally, this dish offers real health benefits. Beef provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients, while the tomato sauce brings antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health. The added vegetables provide fiber and vitamins, rounding out a balanced and satisfying meal.

In the UAE and beyond, the beef stew with tomato sauce recipe is more than just food –  it’s a way to connect with family and tradition. Whether served with crusty bread, rice, or a side of fresh salad, this stew brings warmth and comfort to the table.

FAQs

What is the best cut of beef for stew?

The best cuts are chuck roast, brisket, or round because they become tender when slow-cooked. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue that break down over time, making the meat juicy and flavorful. Avoid lean cuts that can become dry and tough.

Do I need to sear the beef before stewing?

Searing beef before stewing is recommended, but not mandatory. It adds depth of flavor and improves texture by caramelizing the meat’s surface. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get a delicious stew, especially if you use a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Can I make beef stew with tomato sauce in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Slow cookers are perfect for beef stew. Combine all ingredients, set it on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender meat with minimal hands-on effort.

How can I thicken my beef stew with tomato sauce?

To thicken stew, you can reduce the liquid by simmering uncovered, or stir in a slurry made from cornstarch and cold water (about 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water). Add the slurry gradually and cook until the stew reaches your preferred thickness.

What can I serve with beef stew?

Beef stew pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, rice, couscous, or even pasta. Fresh green salads or steamed vegetables provide a light contrast to the rich stew, balancing your meal with added texture and nutrition.