When it comes to cozy comfort food, nothing quite satisfies like a hearty bowl of Beef Stew. This classic dish is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug, with melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender vegetables, and a savory broth that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or bracing against chilly weather, Beef Stew is a time-honored favorite that always brings people together around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything for this stew couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient plays a special part in building its signature depth and heartiness. From the richly marbled beef to aromatic veggies and flavorful seasonings, every addition turns up the flavor and transforms a humble pot into something truly memorable.

Beef chuck roast: The classic cut for stews—its marbling gives you unbeatable tenderness and rich taste.
Olive oil: Helps brown the beef for deeper flavor and silky mouthfeel.
Onion: Brings gentle sweetness and aroma, setting the base for your stew.
Garlic: Adds vibrant flavor that lingers in each bite.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the stew for that irresistible, stick-to-your-ribs texture.
Beef broth: The backbone of your stew’s deliciously savory liquid.
Tomato paste: Adds subtle tang and stunning color to balance the flavors.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a welcome boost of umami richness.
Dried thyme: Perfumes everything with a hint of earthiness and classic stew character.
Bay leaves: Gentle aromatic that lifts the whole pot as it simmers.
Carrots: Sweetness and vibrant color pair perfectly with the beef.
Potatoes: Hearty, tender, and perfect for soaking up every drop of broth.
Celery: Adds crunch and depth, making the vegetables shine.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing out the best in each ingredient.
Fresh parsley: A bright, herbal finish to wake up the entire stew just before serving.

How to Make Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck pieces with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add the beef in batches to avoid crowding, and brown each piece on all sides. This step is key for sealing in those juices and building deep, savory flavors. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot (with all those flavorful brown bits), toss in your chopped onions. Cook until they become tender and slightly golden, about five minutes or so. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute—just long enough to release its incredible aroma without burning.

Step 3: Build the Base

Next, sprinkle in the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well so the flour coats the onions and starts absorbing any leftover oil and juices, which helps thicken the stew later on. Add the tomato paste, giving everything a quick stir to toast it a bit; this will draw out even more depth of flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

With your base ready, gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, scraping up every caramelized bit from the bottom of the pot. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and the bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then return the browned beef (plus any juices) to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer gently for about an hour and a half. The long simmer works its magic, transforming every ingredient into something spectacular.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Finish

After the beef has luxuriated in its broth, it’s time for the carrots, potatoes, and celery to join the party. Stir them in, uncover the pot, and let everything simmer for another 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the veggies should be fork-tender, and the beef will practically fall apart, while the broth thickens to glossy perfection. Fish out the bay leaves, adjust your seasoning to taste, and sprinkle with lots of fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Beef Stew

Garnishes

A generous shower of chopped fresh parsley is the perfect finish, offering a burst of color and a hint of brightness. A few extra cracks of black pepper or even a touch of lemon zest can also lift the flavors if you like a bit of zing.

Side Dishes

Beef Stew begs to be paired with something that’ll soak up every last drop of its savory broth. Crusty bread (especially sourdough) is a classic favorite, but creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a wedge of warm cornbread are hard to beat. Round out your meal with a crisp green salad for freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For family meals, serve Beef Stew straight from the pot in the center of the table, letting everyone dig in. For a more playful approach, ladle the stew into individual bread bowls or oven-safe crocks topped with golden pastry. If you love entertaining, try serving it as a mini appetizer in espresso cups for a cozy dinner party twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover Beef Stew into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Stir well before serving, as some ingredients might sink or settle.

Freezing

Beef Stew freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add the stew to a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. You can also gently microwave smaller portions, pausing halfway to stir for even heating.

FAQs

What kind of beef is best for Beef Stew?

Beef chuck roast is the gold standard for Beef Stew because it becomes incredibly tender after a long simmer. The marbling keeps the meat moist and infuses the stew with flavor.

Can I make Beef Stew in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, Beef Stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle. Just store it in the fridge, and gently reheat before serving.

How do I thicken my Beef Stew if it’s too thin?

If you’d like a thicker stew, mash a few potato chunks directly in the pot or mix a tablespoon of flour with a splash of cold water and stir it in, simmering a bit longer until it thickens up.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Try adding sweet peas, parsnips, or mushrooms if you want to mix things up. Just adjust cooking times so everything stays tender and delicious.

Is Beef Stew gluten-free?

As written, it uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free blend to keep this dish entirely gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that warms the heart and fills the kitchen with irresistible aroma, give this Beef Stew a spot in your rotation. Once you taste that first spoonful, you’ll see why it’s a year-round classic. Gather your loved ones, make a pot, and let this comforting stew become a tradition in your home!

Beef Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty Beef Stew recipe is a comforting one-pot meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. Tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and savory broth come together to create a delicious dish that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Stew:

2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef: Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
Cook onions and garlic: In the same pot, cook onion until softened, then add garlic.
Add flour and broth: Sprinkle in flour, stir, then add tomato paste and gradually pour in beef broth.
Season and simmer: Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and return beef to the pot. Simmer covered for 1½ hours.
Add vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until tender.
Adjust and serve: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

This stew tastes even better the next day.
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
For added depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the broth.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American