There’s nothing quite like coming home to a pot of Beef Stew simmering on the stove, filling the whole house with warmth and the rich scents of comfort. This classic recipe is the ultimate winter warmer, brimming with tender beef, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, and a savory broth that tastes even better with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving some soul-soothing leftovers, this Beef Stew delivers an unforgettable taste experience every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you want Beef Stew that tastes like a hug in a bowl, don’t skip any of these! Every ingredient brings something special, boosting flavor, adding texture, or lending a touch of color to your finished dish. Let’s look at what you’ll need—and why they matter.

Beef chuck: The perfect cut for stew, it turns unbelievably tender after slow cooking and adds deep, meaty flavor.
All-purpose flour: Lightly coating the beef with flour creates a gentle crust and helps thicken the stew as it cooks.
Salt and pepper: These essential seasonings enhance every component, so don’t be shy!
Olive oil: For browning the meat; it adds a touch of richness and helps prevent sticking.
Onion: Brings sweetness and a mellow base flavor to the stew.
Garlic: Three cloves make sure every bite has a warm, aromatic kick.
Tomato paste: Adds depth, subtle acidity, and a lovely reddish hue to the broth.
Beef broth: The foundation of your stew, it ties all the savory flavors together.
Red wine (or more broth): For a richer, more complex broth; wine tenderizes the beef and adds gorgeous dimension (use extra broth if you prefer).
Worcestershire sauce: It’s the secret umami booster—just one tablespoon amplifies everything in the pot.
Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note that brightens up the final dish.
Bay leaves: Subtle but powerful; just two leaves infuse the stew with a slightly floral aroma.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances all the savory flavors, plus they stay beautifully tender.
Potatoes: These soak up the broth and turn luxuriously creamy as the stew cooks.
Celery: Sliced celery brings a gentle crunch and freshness to the pot.
Frozen peas (optional): Add them at the end for extra color and sweet pop!
Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, bright finish that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Beef Stew

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Beef

Start by cubing your beef chuck into bite-sized pieces—about 1 1/2-inch chunks give you the perfect balance of tenderness and structure. Toss these beef pieces generously in flour, salt, and pepper. This not only helps the beef brown beautifully but also gives the stew its irresistible, slightly thickened consistency down the line.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat a wide Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add a glug of olive oil. Arrange the beef in a single layer (work in batches if you need to), and sear on all sides until deep brown and caramelized. Don’t rush this part! Searing locks in flavor and sets the tone for a rich Beef Stew. Move the browned pieces to a plate as they’re done.

Step 3: Build the Base

With all those lovely browned bits left in the pot, toss in your chopped onion. Sauté for about five minutes, letting it soften and pick up that caramelized flavor at the bottom. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until everything is fragrant and bright red.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping up all those savory brown bits from the bottom of the pot. This is what gives Beef Stew its signature depth! Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaves—these seasonings will infuse the broth with complex, herby, umami richness. Return your seared beef and any resting juices to the pot.

Step 5: Slow Simmer

Bring your stew to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let everything meld together for about an hour and a half, stirring occasionally. This slow cook is where the magic happens—tough beef transforms into meltingly tender morsels and the flavors go from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Step 6: Add the Veggies

After the initial simmer, it’s time for the vegetables. Drop in your sliced carrots, potato cubes, and celery. Stir, cover, and let the stew bubble gently for 45 minutes to an hour, until the vegetables and beef are perfectly tender. If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a burst of color and sweetness.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves! Give your Beef Stew a taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Ladle generous bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an inviting finish.

How to Serve Beef Stew

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley does wonders, brightening up the deep, rich tones of the stew and adding a fresh aroma. For a bit of extra indulgence, you can even add a dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of olive oil. These little touches make your Beef Stew look as wonderful as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This stew begs to be paired with something hearty to soak up every bit of the savory broth. Classic choices include thick slices of crusty bread, buttery garlic toast, or a tower of creamy mashed potatoes underneath. For a lighter touch, try a crisp green salad on the side. However you serve it, Beef Stew turns every side dish into a star.

Creative Ways to Present

Change things up and serve Beef Stew in individual bread bowls for a fun, cozy twist, or spoon it over a pile of rice or polenta to catch all that luscious sauce. You can even serve it family-style in a big, rustic pot at the table—let everyone help themselves and enjoy the shared comfort. However you ladle it out, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Beef Stew is how well it keeps! Cool any leftovers completely and transfer to an airtight container. In the fridge, it’ll stay delicious for up to four days. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if the leftovers are even tastier!

Freezing

If you’d like a ready-made meal on hand for busy nights, this stew is a freezer champion. Ladle completely cooled Beef Stew into measured, airtight containers (leave a little room at the top for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick, comforting meal, you’ll be so glad you did.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Beef Stew on the stovetop over low heat until piping hot, stirring now and then to prevent sticking. If you’re short on time, microwaving works too—heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to distribute the warmth evenly. Add an extra splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Beef Stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! Beef Stew actually tastes better the next day, giving the flavors time to deepen and meld. Just store it in the fridge and gently reheat when you’re ready to serve—perfect for meal prepping or casual entertaining.

What’s the best cut of beef for Beef Stew?

Beef chuck is your best bet: it has enough marbling to become ultra-tender and flavorful as it slow cooks. If chuck isn’t available, brisket or bottom round work in a pinch, just make sure to give them plenty of simmering time.

Can I skip the wine in this recipe?

Of course! Simply substitute with an extra cup of beef broth. While red wine lends wonderful depth and aroma, the stew will still be incredibly flavorful without it.

How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?

If you’d like a stew with extra body, mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 15 minutes of simmering. Let it bubble gently until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is Beef Stew gluten-free?

It can be! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and always check that your Worcestershire sauce and broth are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as hearty and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste this homemade Beef Stew, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for so many families—and maybe yours will be next! With each spoonful, you get layers of flavor, comforting textures, and the kind of satisfaction that only comes from time well spent in the kitchen. Give this a try soon, and let your home fill with the irresistible aroma of true comfort food.

Beef Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty Beef Stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy meal. Tender chunks of beef simmered with vegetables in a savory broth create a satisfying dish that is sure to warm you up.

Ingredients

Scale

For the beef:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

For the stew:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (or additional broth)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Toss the beef: Coat beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper. Brown the beef in batches in a Dutch oven. Set aside.
Sauté aromatics: Cook onion until soft, add garlic and tomato paste. Pour in broth and wine, then add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and beef.
Simmer: Cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Simmer until tender. Add peas if using.
Finish: Remove bay leaves. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

This stew tastes better the next day.
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
For a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry in the last 15 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American