Hearty Beef & Vegetable Stew (A Cozy $5 Dinner)

Craving a warm, comforting meal that’s filling, flavorful, and budget-friendly? This Hearty Beef & Vegetable Stew is the perfect one-pot meal that tastes like it simmered all day—but it’s easy and affordable to make!

With tender beef, rich broth, and plenty of veggies, this stew is packed with nutrition and deep, cozy flavors, making it an ideal cold-weather meal or a meal-prep favorite. Best of all? It costs around $5 to make and feeds the whole family!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Budget-Friendly – Made with cheap cuts of beef & pantry staples.
✔ Hearty & Nutritious – Loaded with protein, fiber, and veggies.
✔ Easy One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup & packed with flavor.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
✔ Customizable – Swap ingredients based on what you have.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This stew is made with affordable, simple ingredients that stretch your grocery budget.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cubed) 🛒 Best cheap beef cuts for stews
• 3 cups beef broth (or use bouillon + water to save money)
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas or green beans
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)

👉 Want to save more? Swap fresh veggies for canned or frozen alternatives!

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📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef cubes, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and brown for 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

4. In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

6. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, and browned beef.
7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.

Step 4: Add Peas & Thicken the Stew

8. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes.
9. For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water and stir into the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

10. Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or biscuits for a cozy, hearty meal!

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💰 Cost Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)

Total cost per serving: ~$1.25

• Beef stew meat (1 lb) – $4.00
• Potatoes (3 medium) – $1.00
• Carrots (2 large) – $0.50
• Onion & garlic – $0.50
• Frozen peas (1 cup) – $0.75
• Diced tomatoes & broth – $1.25

🛒 Save even more by:
✅ Using cheaper cuts like chuck roast instead of pre-cut stew meat.
✅ Swapping beef broth for bouillon + water.
✅ Buying veggies in bulk or using canned options.

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🥖 What to Serve with Beef & Vegetable Stew

Pair this hearty stew with simple, budget-friendly sides like:

✔ Homemade Garlic Bread – Easy recipe here
✔ Cornbread – Budget-friendly homemade cornbread
✔ Steamed Rice – Perfect fluffy rice every time

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🔍 Common Questions

What’s the Best Cheap Cut of Beef for Stew?

✔ Chuck roast – Affordable & becomes ultra-tender when slow-cooked.
✔ Beef shank or round steak – Leaner but works well with a longer cook time.
✔ Ground beef – Not traditional, but a cheaper alternative!

👉 Guide to cheap beef cuts

Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Follow these adjustments:

• Brown the beef as instructed, then add everything (except peas) to the slow cooker.
• Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
• Stir in frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

👉 Slow Cooker to Stovetop Conversions

How Long Does This Stew Last?

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Simmer on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

👉 Best ways to store soups & stews

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🛒 Where to Buy Cheap Ingredients for Beef Stew

💡 Want to save even more? Check out:

• Aldi & Walmart – Affordable beef & veggies.
• Costco or Sam’s Club – Bulk beef at lower prices.
• Local Butchers & Farmers Markets – Great deals on stew meat!

🔗 More money-saving grocery tips:

• How to Grocery Shop on a Budget
• Best Cheap Pantry Staples

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Final Thoughts: A Cozy, Budget-Friendly Meal

This Hearty Beef & Vegetable Stew proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive. With cheap, simple ingredients, you can create a nutritious, filling meal that feeds the whole family for just $5!

👉 Have a favorite stew variation? Share it in the comments below!

📌 Loved this recipe? Pin it for later!

🔗 More budget-friendly meal ideas:

• 25 Cheap & Easy Soup Recipes
• How to Cook on a Tight Budget
• 10 Hearty, Cheap One-Pot Meals