Tender Beef and Vegetable Stew – Comfort in Every Bite A hearty classic packed with melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Ingredients For the Stew: 2½ lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1–1½ inch cubes Salt & black pepper, to taste 4 oz diced pancetta or thick-cut bacon 2 tbsp olive oil, divided 3 medium carrots, peeled & sliced 1 small yellow onion, diced 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried) 6 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp tomato paste ¼ cup all-purpose flour 3