Beef Stew

This Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this slow-cooked classic will warm you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Hearty – A deeply flavorful broth with tender beef and vegetables.
  • One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup and full of nutrition.
  • Customizable – Easily adaptable with different vegetables and seasonings.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
  • Family Favorite – A satisfying dish everyone will love.
Beef Stew 10 This Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this slow-cooked classic will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • Olive oil
  • Onion, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Carrots, chopped
  • Potatoes, cubed
  • Celery, sliced
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme, fresh or dried
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Flour (for thickening, optional)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, then deglaze with red wine (if using).
  4. Return beef to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaves, and thyme.
  5. Pour in beef broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
  6. Cover and let cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  7. If a thicker stew is desired, mix flour with water and stir into the pot.
  8. Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

  • Slow Cooker Method: Brown beef and sauté onions first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Gluten-Free: Skip the flour or use a cornstarch slurry for thickening.
  • Extra Hearty: Add mushrooms or pearl onions.
  • Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth if needed.
Beef Stew
Beef Stew 11 This Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this slow-cooked classic will warm you from the inside out.


FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, brisket or stew meat works well too.

What’s the best way to thicken the stew?

Flour or cornstarch mixed with water will do the trick.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook for 35 minutes.

Do I have to use red wine?

No, you can skip it or substitute with extra beef broth.

What side dishes pair well?

Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad complement it perfectly.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Try parsnips, turnips, or peas for extra variety.

How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

Low and slow cooking is key to tender meat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after resting overnight.

How do I adjust the seasoning?

Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional herbs before serving.

What can I do if my stew is too thin?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce, or add a thickening agent.

Conclusion

This Beef Stew is a cozy, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, its deep flavors and satisfying texture make it a must-try. Enjoy it fresh and customize it to your preference!

Print
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Beef Stew

Beef Stew

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans

Description

This hearty beef stew is a rich and comforting dish, slow-simmered to perfection. Tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and a flavorful broth make this a perfect meal for chilly days. Serve with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy dinner!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Stew:
  • 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for coating the beef)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 3 sprigs fresh thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh rosemary)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
  • For Thickening (Optional):
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Instructions

  • 1. Brown the Beef
  • Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel.
  • In a bowl, toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
  • 2. Sauté the Vegetables
  • In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft.
  • Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  • 3. Build the Stew
  • Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
  • Return the beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • 4. Add Carrots & Potatoes
  • Add chopped carrots and potatoes. Simmer for another 30-40 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
  • 5. Thicken the Stew (Optional)
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the stew. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • 6. Final Touches & Serve
  • Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes.
  • Remove bay leaves and herb sprigs. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes!

Notes

  • Slow Cooker Option: Sear the beef first, then add all ingredients (except peas) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Stir in peas at the end.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or skip the flour coating.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day!
  • Nutrition (Per Serving)
  • Calories: ~450
  • Protein: ~35g
  • Carbs: ~40g
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Sodium: ~900mg

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~450
  • Sodium: ~900mg
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Protein: ~35g

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