Tender Skillet Beef Stew
My dears, today I poured my heart into this comforting one-pan beef recipe just for you. It's the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth after a long day, tender beef that melts in your mouth, simmered with sweet peppers, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. All cooked together in one skillet, this is more than just a meal, it's a little bit of love served on a plate. Simple, hearty, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of homemade food that brings everyone to the table. I hope it brings as much comfort to your home as it does to mine.
Ingredients
- 500 g about 1 lb beef (shoulder or other tender cut)
- 2 onions
- 1 large tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper I like to use Ramiro pepper – it’s sweet and flavorful
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 40 g about 3 tbsp butter
- Spices: Dried thyme, salt & black pepper
- 250 ml 1 cup boiling water or broth
- Parsley
- Garlic
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Start by preparing all the ingredients. Cut the beef into thin, even strips, this will help it cook quickly and evenly. Finely chop the onions to bring out their sweetness. Chop the tomatoes finely. Cut the bell pepper into long, thin strips so they cook evenly and blend well with the beef and other veggies.
Step 2: Sear the Beef & Add Vegetables and Seasoning
- Heat a little vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the beef strips. Sear them on all sides until they start to brown and change color. This process will seal in the juices and give the beef a rich, flavorful crust. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, so it cooks evenly. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the onions cook for about 4–5 minutes until they soften and become translucent. The onions will add a delicious sweetness and help build the flavor base for the dish.
- Now it’s time to bring in the rest of the ingredients. Stir in the tomatoes, bell pepper, finely chopped garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, tomato paste, and butter. Mix everything thoroughly so the beef and vegetables are coated in the seasonings. The tomato paste and butter will give the dish a rich, smooth flavor. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed in the pan.
Step 3: Simmer
- Pour in the boiling water or broth, making sure the liquid covers the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 1.5 hour. This slow cooking will make the beef incredibly tender and allow all the flavors to meld together. If after an hour there’s still too much liquid, remove the lid and continue cooking for another 30 minutes on medium heat to let the sauce thicken and reduce.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs
- Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the finely chopped parsley. Stir everything together, letting the fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
Step 5: Serve with Mashed Potatoes
- For an extra comforting touch, serve the beef stew with a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes right on top. The potatoes soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully and turn this dish into a hearty, satisfying meal. You can serve it in individual bowls or layer it like a rustic cottage pie.
Ready to Serve
- Serve hot and dig in! Each bite is rich, juicy, and packed with flavor, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.
Notes
*Nutrition info is a rough estimate based on the ingredients. Note that values may vary from case to case.
*As with all recipes, there is a number of ways you can get things done. If you believe that some of the instructions can be improved, or have a good alternative solution, feel free to leave a comment.
