There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of classic beef stew, especially on a chilly evening. This recipe for beef stew and rice makes it simple to enjoy this hearty meal any night of the week. We’ve designed it for quick and easy preparation, allowing you to serve a deeply flavorful stew alongside perfectly fluffy rice without fuss. Get ready for a cozy, satisfying dinner that brings joy to your table!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew and Rice
You’ll quickly fall in love with this comforting beef and rice recipe for many reasons:
- Quick & Easy: This delicious meal comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty & Flavorful: Enjoy rich, savory beef and tender vegetables simmered in a delicious broth.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll use accessible, everyday ingredients found in any grocery store.
- Freezer-Friendly: Easily make a double batch for convenient meal prep and future dinners.
- One-Pot Solution: Most of the cooking happens in a single skillet, simplifying cleanup.
Ingredients
Creating this delightful stewed beef and rice dish starts with a few wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting meal a reality in your kitchen:
- 1 lb trimmed boneless beef chuck, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 jar (4.5 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen sliced carrots, thawed
- 2 cups Minute White Rice
Best Tips for Making Beef Stew and Rice
- Beef Choice: Use a chuck roast for the most tender texture. You can also substitute round steak or sirloin strips for leaner options.
- Mushrooms: For richer flavor, choose fresh sliced mushrooms instead of canned and sauté them slightly longer.
- Broth Options: Replace beef broth with vegetable broth or water mixed with bouillon for flexibility.
- Nutritional Boost: Add ½ cup of baby peas with the carrots for extra color and nutrients.
- Flavor Enhancer: Stir in 2 teaspoons of chopped rosemary and ¼ cup tomato juice or crushed tomatoes for a gourmet touch.
- Heartier Stew: Mix in diced potatoes to make the dish even more filling.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to whip up this comforting beef stew and rice. Gather these kitchen essentials:
- A large skillet or Dutch oven for simmering.
- A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- A slotted spoon for transferring beef.
How to Make Stew Beef and Rice
- Let Minute Rice warm you up with this quick recipe for Easy Beef Stew with Rice. Served over a bowl of white rice and cooked with plenty of vegetables, it’s comfort in a bowl. Follow these simple steps to prepare your hearty beef stew and rice.
- First, combine the beef, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss everything together until the beef strips are evenly coated. Next, heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef to the hot skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the browned beef to a separate bowl and set it aside for now.
- Add the coarsely chopped onion and drained sliced mushrooms to the same skillet. Cook them for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Stir in the stewed tomatoes, beef broth, and thawed frozen carrots. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the stew simmer gently, stirring it frequently, for 12-15 minutes, or until the flavorful stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Meanwhile, while your stew is simmering, prepare the Minute White Rice according to the package directions. This typically involves boiling water and letting the rice steam, ensuring it’s perfectly fluffy and ready when your stew is done.
- To serve this comforting dish, spoon generous portions of the hot, thickened beef stew over the freshly prepared rice. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Stew and Rice
- Brown the Beef Properly: Heat your skillet well before adding beef. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches for a deep, rich sear.
- Thicken the Stew Naturally: If the stew looks too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Season to Taste: After simmering, adjust salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
- Perfect Rice Texture: Follow the package instructions exactly, and don’t lift the lid too early to keep rice fluffy.
- Prevent Mushy Vegetables: Add quick-cooking veggies like baby peas near the end of simmering to maintain texture and color.
Serving, Storage & Variations for Beef Stew and Rice
- Serving Ideas: Pair your beef stew and rice with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce, or add a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Store extra stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and cook fresh rice when ready to serve.
- Vegetable Variations: Mix in diced celery, bell peppers, or peas for added texture and nutrition.
- Flavor Enhancers: Try herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf to deepen the stew’s aroma.
- Alternative Pairings: Serve the stew over quinoa, couscous, or mashed potatoes instead of rice for a hearty twist.
Nutrition
This beef stew and rice recipe offers a balanced and nourishing meal. The beef chuck provides a significant source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle health and satiety. Vegetables like carrots and onions contribute important vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
Research suggests that increasing dietary fiber intake can lead to various health benefits, including improved digestive health and potential weight management. The Minute White Rice offers readily available carbohydrates, providing the energy your body needs to fuel daily activities. For a calorie-conscious adjustment, consider using leaner cuts of beef or increasing the vegetable portion.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 |
| Protein | 30-35g |
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Carbohydrates | 45-55g |
| Fiber | 4-6g |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.)
FAQ
What’s the best beef cut for stew?
Boneless beef chuck is ideal because it becomes wonderfully tender when simmered, but round steak or sirloin strips also work well.
Can I use brown rice instead?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great, whole-grain alternative for your beef stew and rice. Just adjust the cooking time according to its package directions.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering stew and cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses flour to coat the beef. You can make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or by omitting it and thickening the stew with a cornstarch slurry instead.
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef Stew and Rice recipe truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and convenience. It proves that a truly satisfying, home-cooked meal doesn’t need to take hours of effort. With its rich, savory beef, tender vegetables, and fluffy rice, this dish is the epitome of comfort food made simple. We encourage you to try this easy-to-follow recipe soon; it’s a perfect hearty meal to warm your family on any busy weeknight. Enjoy the joy and confidence of creating something so delicious!
The Best Beef Stew and Rice: 6 Easy Steps
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Large Skillet
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb trimmed boneless beef chuck cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 onion coarsely chopped
- 1 jar (4.5 oz) sliced mushrooms drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen sliced carrots thawed
- 2 cups Minute White Rice
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine beef, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, tossing until the beef is evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the coated beef and sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
- Add the onion and mushrooms to the same skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent. Stir in the stewed tomatoes, broth, and carrots, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the stew for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it has thickened.
- Meanwhile, prepare the Minute White Rice according to its package directions.
- To serve, spoon the hearty beef stew over the prepared white rice.