Beef Stew Recipe

Beef stew is the ultimate comfort dish, rich with tender beef chunks simmered in a savory broth filled with vegetables and herbs. Each bite brings deep, slow-cooked flavor that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or meal prep, this dish never goes out of style.

This hearty classic comes together beautifully with just a few simple ingredients. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks slowly, absorbing all the rich flavors of the broth, spices, and veggies. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly at home.

You don’t need to be a professional cook to make this delicious stew. With a few easy steps and a little patience, you’ll have a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love—perfect for cold days or when you’re craving something warm and filling.

Ingredients List

– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 medium carrots, sliced
– 3 medium potatoes, diced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with broth)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear them in batches for 3–4 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring continuously.

Step 3: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well to create a roux. This will help thicken your stew later.

Step 4: Gradually pour in the beef broth and wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

Step 5: Return the browned beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef becomes tender.

Step 6: Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and the broth is thickened.

Step 7: Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Servings

Serves 6

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories: 420
Carbs: 28g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 18g

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Pairings/Suggestions

Serve your beef stew with a side of crusty bread, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of red wine makes the perfect pairing for this comforting dish.

Seasonal Relevance

Beef stew is perfect for fall and winter when hearty, warming dishes are most comforting. It’s also great for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. The slow-cooked aroma fills your home and makes any chilly day feel cozier.

Health Benefits

This beef stew is packed with nutrients and balanced ingredients. The lean beef provides a rich source of protein and iron, while the carrots and potatoes add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The broth base makes it hydrating and satisfying, and you can easily adjust the fat or salt levels to suit your dietary preferences. Using olive oil and fresh herbs adds heart-healthy benefits and antioxidants.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Deep, comforting flavor	Requires long cooking time
High in protein and nutrients	Needs multiple ingredients
Great for make-ahead meals	Not ideal for last-minute dinners
Freezer-friendly and reheats well	Slightly high in calories

Conclusion

This beef stew recipe delivers everything you could want in a comforting homemade meal—tender beef, rich gravy, and perfectly cooked vegetables in every bite. The slow simmer brings out deep, savory flavors that taste even better the next day.

It’s a timeless dish that warms hearts and fills stomachs, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Once you try this recipe, it will surely become a staple in your kitchen rotation, especially when the weather calls for something hearty and delicious.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Q2: Can I skip the wine in the recipe?
Absolutely. You can replace it with an equal amount of beef broth or water and still achieve great flavor.

Q3: How do I make the stew thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 15 minutes of simmering.