Few meals offer the kind of warmth and comfort that a classic Beef Stew does. It's a hearty dish filled with tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this beef stew recipe will surely satisfy. With slow-simmered beef, chunks of carrots, potatoes, and celery, and an infusion of herbs, this meal is perfect for cold days or anytime you're craving something wholesome. In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make the best beef stew ever!
What is Beef Stew?
Beef stew is a slow-cooked dish made with chunks of beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s traditionally cooked for several hours to ensure the beef becomes tender, and the flavors meld beautifully. This comforting one-pot meal is the perfect combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, all simmered together to create a hearty, soul-warming dish.
Ingredients List for Beef Stew
To make a hearty beef stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes: Beef chuck is ideal for stewing because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and vegetables.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds depth and sweetness to the stew.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: For a rich, aromatic flavor.
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds natural sweetness and color.
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed: These starchy vegetables make the stew hearty and filling.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Provides a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- 4 cups beef broth: This forms the base of your stew, infusing it with rich, savory flavor.
- 1 cup red wine (optional): Adds a layer of depth and complexity to the broth. You can substitute with more beef broth if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds a tangy richness to the broth.
- 1 bay leaf: For subtle earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Works beautifully with beef and adds a herby note to the stew.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- 2 tablespoon flour: Helps to thicken the stew.
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds color and freshness to the finished dish.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of beef stew is that it’s versatile and can be customized based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few variations and substitutions:
- Meat alternatives: If you can’t find beef chuck, you can substitute it with other cuts like brisket or short ribs. You can even use lamb for a slightly different flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the stew instead of all-purpose flour.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, peas, or mushrooms to change the texture and flavor.
- Alcohol-free: If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with an equal amount of beef broth.
- Spices and herbs: You can switch up the herbs by adding rosemary, oregano, or a bay leaf for additional flavor complexity.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the beef: Start by cutting the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Prep the vegetables: Peel and chop the carrots and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice the celery and dice the onion and garlic.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef: Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot in batches (don’t overcrowd) and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Then, add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) or beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits add rich flavor to the stew.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce its raw taste.
- Return beef to the pot: Add the browned beef back into the pot along with any juices that have accumulated.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 6: Add Vegetables and Thicken
- Add vegetables: After the stew has simmered for about 1 hour, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir to combine and continue simmering until the vegetables are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
- Thicken the stew: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the broth has thickened.
Step 7: Taste and Serve
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed. Discard the bay leaf.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Cook Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making beef stew is straightforward, but following these key steps ensures you get the most flavorful and tender results:
- Brown the beef properly: Don’t skip this step! Browning the beef locks in flavor and adds richness to the stew.
- Deglaze the pot: Scraping up the browned bits after browning the beef adds incredible depth to the stew.
- Low and slow cooking: Simmering the stew for a couple of hours is essential for tenderizing the beef and melding the flavors.
- Add the vegetables later: To avoid mushy vegetables, add them in the last hour of cooking rather than at the beginning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though beef stew is simple, a few common mistakes can make or break the dish:
- Not browning the beef: Skipping the browning step will result in less flavor.
- Overcrowding the pot: Brown the beef in batches to ensure that it browns properly rather than steams.
- Adding vegetables too early: Adding the vegetables too early will make them mushy. Add them later in the cooking process for the best texture.
- Not simmering long enough: Beef stew needs time for the meat to become tender and for the flavors to develop. Rushing the cooking process will result in tough beef and underdeveloped flavors.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your beef stew is ready, here are a few tips for serving and presentation:
- Serve with crusty bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful broth.
- Over mashed potatoes: For an extra comforting meal, serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
- With a side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the hearty stew.
- In a bread bowl: For a rustic presentation, serve the beef stew in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
How to Serve Beef Stew
Beef stew is a hearty dish that can be served on its own or paired with a variety of sides:
- Classic serving: Ladle the stew into a deep bowl and garnish with chopped parsley for a simple, classic presentation.
- Over rice or noodles: For a heartier meal, serve the stew over rice or egg noodles.
- In a crock: For a cozy touch, serve your beef stew in individual crocks or bowls topped with a sprinkle of cheese.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Stew
- Rustic serving: Serve your beef stew straight from the pot or Dutch oven for a rustic, family-style presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top of each bowl for a fresh pop of color.
- Add a dollop of sour cream: For extra creaminess, add a small spoonful of sour cream to each serving.
Beef Stew Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: Beef stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. Store it in the fridge and reheat it for an easy, flavorful meal.
- Freezing: Beef stew freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to
3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
- Using a slow cooker: You can make this beef stew in a slow cooker by browning the beef first, then transferring it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After browning the beef, transfer it to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients (except the thickening agent). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
2. How can I thicken the stew without flour?
You can thicken the stew by mashing some of the potatoes into the broth or using cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent.
3. Can I freeze beef stew?
Absolutely! Beef stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Why is my beef tough?
If your beef turns out tough, it likely hasn’t been cooked long enough. Beef stew needs to simmer for a couple of hours to break down the connective tissues and become tender.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Beef stew tastes even better the next day. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This classic Beef Stew Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, full of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. With just a bit of patience and some simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s sure to satisfy and warm you up. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or cooking ahead for the week, this beef stew is versatile, easy, and absolutely delicious. So, gather your ingredients, take your time, and enjoy the process of making this timeless dish. Happy cooking!
PrintBeef Stew Recipe
This classic beef stew recipe delivers tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth that's perfect for chilly nights. Slow-cooked and packed with rich flavors, this one-pot dish is an easy and comforting meal the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in red wine (if using) and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Return beef to the pot. Add broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beef is tender.
- Add carrots and potatoes, simmer for another 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Add peas or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with water and stir it into the stew in the final 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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