Beef and Pierogi Stew Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings together tender beef, savory broth, and the comforting charm of pierogi, this Beef and Pierogi Stew is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine every spoonful bursting with rich, meaty flavor, brightened by fresh vegetables and crowned by those delightful little pierogi pillows that soak up all the goodness. Perfect for a cozy evening or feeding a crowd, this stew is both a celebration of traditional flavors and a simple, satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this stew means gathering some simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy beef that makes it hearty to fresh veggies that add sweetness and crunch, here’s what you’ll need:

• Olive oil: For browning the meat and gently cooking the veggies to develop deep, rich flavors.
• 2 lbs. beef stew meat: Seasoned with kosher salt and pepper to make every bite savory and tender after simmering.
• 1 lb. carrots, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
• 1 sweet onion, diced: Brings depth and gentle aroma that’s essential for stew bases.
• 4 celery stalks, diced: Offers a subtle earthiness and delightful crispness to balance the mix.
• 28 oz. crushed tomatoes: Imparts a rich, tangy body that rounds out the broth beautifully.
• 32 oz. beef broth: The liquid gold that melds all the flavors together into a luscious stew.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuses a subtle herbal hint that enhances every ingredient.
• 1 tbsp. chunky garlic (Garden Gourmet): Packs a flavorful punch without overpowering, enriching every bite.
• 1 tsp. kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing the flavors alive.
• 24 oz. pierogi: The star ingredient that turns a classic stew into something unforgettable.
• Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a burst of freshness and vibrant green color to finish.
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch + 2 tbsp. water (optional slurry): To thicken your stew perfectly if desired.

How to Make Beef and Pierogi Stew

Step 1: Browning the Beef and Vegetables

Begin by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or crock. Once shimmering, add your well-seasoned beef stew meat. Browning the beef evenly on all sides is crucial because it locks in flavor and builds that deep, meaty foundation you want in a stew. Once browned, toss in the diced carrots, sweet onion, and celery. Stir everything well so the veggies get a light coating of oil and start to soften. Cooking these just a few minutes unlocks their natural sweetness and aroma, setting the stage for a hearty stew.

Step 2: Building the Broth

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Toss in your bay leaves along with the chunky garlic and sprinkle in the kosher salt. Bring this pot of goodness to a gentle simmer. This is where all the flavors begin to meld, creating a beautifully balanced broth that’s both robust and comforting. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the beef to become tender and the veggies to soak up those savory tomato-rich juices.

Step 3: Adding the Pierogi

Now comes the fun part that sets this stew apart: the pierogi! Add them straight into the simmering stew and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. They absorb all the flavors of the stew while adding a tender, pillowy contrast to the beef and vegetables. If you notice the stew looking a bit thin, mix your cornstarch and water into a slurry and stir it in, simmering for a few minutes until the stew thickens just right. Give your work a taste and adjust salt if needed—seasoning is key to making this dish sing!

How to Serve Beef and Pierogi Stew

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—sprinkling bright, chopped parsley over the stew adds the perfect burst of color and a gentle herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. You can also experiment with a spoonful of sour cream on top for creaminess that complements the savory elements beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stew is a true one-pot meal, but serving it alongside some crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls helps soak up every last drop. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the stew’s hearty warmth. Mashed potatoes or steamed green beans also pair nicely if you want to amp up the veggie quotient.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, ladle generous portions into rustic bowls and let everyone sprinkle on their favorite garnishes. Hosting a casual gathering? Consider serving this Beef and Pierogi Stew in small mugs or cups as a fun, portable appetizer. You could even try plating the stew over a bed of sautéed kale to add another layer of texture and nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have fully married. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over medium-low heat to bring it back to life without overcooking the pierogi.

Freezing

If you want to keep this comforting meal ready to go, Beef and Pierogi Stew freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Because pierogi can sometimes become a bit soft after freezing, try slightly undercooking them before freezing for best texture later on.

Reheating

For reheating, the stovetop is your best friend to maintain the stew’s texture and flavor. Warm it slowly with a lid on, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to heat evenly. If the stew thickened too much in the fridge, just stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pierogi for this stew?

Absolutely! Homemade pierogi add a personal touch and extra flavor depth, though fresh or frozen store-bought ones work perfectly as well. Just adjust cooking times slightly if your pierogi are larger or smaller than average.

What cut of beef works best for this stew?

Look for beef stew meat, typically chuck roast trimmed and cubed. It becomes tender and flavorful when simmered slowly, making it ideal for this dish’s comforting texture.

Is this stew spicy?

Not at all! The flavors are rich, savory, and hearty without any heat. If you like a little kick, you can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while simmering.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the meat and veggies first as described, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours before adding the pierogi in the last 30 minutes.

What if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the stew?

No worries! You can mash a few of the cooked carrots and stir them into the broth to naturally thicken it, or simply cook the stew a little longer uncovered to reduce and thicken the liquid.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted this Beef and Pierogi Stew, I bet it will become a staple in your cozy weeknight dinner rotation. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, blending simple ingredients into something truly memorable. So grab your favorite pot, invite some good company, and enjoy the magic of this comforting stew. Trust me, your taste buds and your loved ones will thank you!

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