Best Beef and Chickpea Stew Recipe for Cozy, Hearty Nights

Discover the best beef and chickpea stew recipe for cozy, hearty nights that warms your soul. Easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Best Beef and Chickpea Stew Recipe for Cozy, Hearty Nights

Why You’ll Love It

This beef and chickpea stew is the ultimate comfort food for cozy, hearty nights. Combining rich, tender beef with creamy chickpeas creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal but hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. The warm spices add depth without overpowering the natural goodness of the ingredients.

A great dish to make ahead or enjoy fresh, it brings people together with its inviting aroma and satisfying warmth. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber from both the beef and chickpeas, making it hearty and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks (substitute with stew beef or brisket)
• 1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (use garlic powder in a pinch)
• 2 carrots, sliced (can add parsnips or sweet potatoes)
• 2 celery stalks, sliced (optional but adds flavor)
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (use cooked dried chickpeas)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (fresh chopped tomatoes work too)
• 4 cups beef broth (sub with vegetable broth for lighter stew)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (any neutral oil)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 1.5 hours or until the beef is tender.
6. Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

For a complete collection of easy comfort food recipes, check out Easy Weeknight Dinners. For more hearty stew ideas, visit Serious Eats. If you’d like to learn more about beef cuts best suited for stew, this authoritative guide offers great advice.

Expert Tips

Brown the beef well to develop flavor. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few chickpeas or add a slurry of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking. Use a slow cooker if you want a hands-off approach—cook on low for 6-8 hours. For optimal tenderness, check the beef after 1 hour and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool the stew completely, then package in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or microwave.

Variations

• Vegan: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms or seitan, swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free broth.
• Dairy-Free: No dairy ingredients are included, making it safe for dairy-free diets.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and skip added salt.

FAQ

Q: Can I use canned beef instead of fresh beef?
A: Fresh beef chuck or stew beef works best for flavor and texture. Canned beef may alter the stew’s consistency.

Q: How long does the best beef and chickpea stew recipe for cozy, hearty nights take to cook?
A: Total cooking time is about 1 hour and 50 minutes, including prep and simmering.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Potatoes, parsnips, or bell peppers work well.

Q: Is this stew freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months.

Call to Action

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