Beef and pea stew is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender slow-cooked beef with sweet bursts of peas in a rich, savoury broth. Beyond its hearty flavour, beef provides high-quality protein, iron, zinc and essential B vitamins that support energy production, muscle health and immune function, making this stew as nourishing as it is satisfying. Perfect for cooler evenings, this classic recipe delivers warmth, depth of flavour and wholesome goodness in every spoonful.
Beef and pea stew ingredients
- 900g beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but recommended)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme 1 bay leaf
- 1½ cups frozen peas
- 2 medium potatoes, diced (optional for a heartier stew)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the beef
Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches (don’t overcrowd). Remove and set aside.
2. Build the base
In the same pot, add onion, carrots and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly darkened.
3. Thicken & deglaze
Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir well. Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Simmer
Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce and potatoes (if using). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
5. Add the peas
Stir in frozen peas during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve
Remove bay leaf. Garnish your beef and pea stew with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
This comforting beef and pea stew is a timeless recipe that only improves with slow cooking and simple ingredients. Ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd, it reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day. Whether enjoyed with crusty bread or creamy mash, this classic beef and pea stew is sure to become a regular favourite at your table.
