Discover the ultimate comfort food experience with this classic beef stew recipe. Featuring incredibly tender beef, an abundance of hearty vegetables, and a rich, deeply flavorful broth, it’s a meal that truly warms you from the inside out. This stew is perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or whenever you crave a satisfying, home-cooked meal that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious. Get ready to create a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew
This comforting beef stew will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen for many reasons:
- Melt-in-your-mouth tender beef: Slow simmering transforms humble stew meat into unbelievably fork-tender morsels.
- Deeply savory flavor: The rich broth, enhanced by browned beef and aromatic vegetables, creates an unparalleled depth of taste.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients: You’ll use everyday staples for a nourishing meal everyone will love.
- Customizable with favorite veggies: Easily add parsnips, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes to make it uniquely yours.
- Makes excellent leftovers: The flavors only get better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Better than canned versions: This homemade beef stew recipe offers fresh flavors and textures far superior to anything from a can.
Hearty & Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat beef cubes in the flour mixture until evenly covered.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the same pot and sauté until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the beef to the pot and add potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary. Stir to combine, cover, and simmer gently for about 1–1½ hours until the beef is tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water together to create a slurry. Slowly stir it into the stew and simmer for another 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in peas during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Notes
Ingredients
To create this delicious beef stew recipe, you will need a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the robust flavors and hearty texture that make this dish so comforting. Gather your items, and let’s get cooking!
- For the Beef:
- 2 pounds stewing beef (trimmed and cubed)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (more as needed)
- For the Stew:
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 6 cups beef broth
- ½ cup red wine (optional)
- 1 pound potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 4 carrots (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 4 ribs celery (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or as needed)
- 2 tablespoons water (or as needed)
- ¾ cup peas
Notes & Substitutions
For the beef stew recipe, choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. For best results, use chuck roast for the beef; it breaks down beautifully during slow cooking. Feel free to add more vegetables like parsnips, mushrooms, or turnips to enhance the flavor and nutrition. If you prefer to skip the red wine, simply substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth for your stew. Enhance the aromatic profile further with fresh thyme or bay leaves instead of rosemary, if desired. Remember that the initial flour dredging for the beef also helps to naturally thicken the stew.
Many root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, offer numerous health benefits including immune support and improved digestion. Learn more about the benefits of root vegetables to enrich your diet.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this wonderful beef stew recipe. These items ensure a smooth cooking process and perfect results every time.
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create an incredibly rich and tender beef stew recipe. This process is designed for beginners, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal without any fuss. Take your time with each stage, especially the searing, as it builds the foundation of flavor for your stew.
- Prepare Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed stewing beef to the flour mixture. Toss the beef gently until each piece is evenly coated. This step helps create a flavorful crust and slightly thickens the stew.
- Brown Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Shake off any excess flour from the beef cubes before adding them to the hot oil. Sear the beef in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown the beef on all sides until a rich, dark crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcrowding cools the pan and steams the beef instead of searing it. Remove the browned beef with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same pot, adding a splash more olive oil if needed. Cook the onions until they soften and become translucent, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. This releases their sweet flavor into the pot.
- Deglaze: Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using) into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These flavorful bits, called fond, are crucial for adding depth to your beef stew recipe.
- Simmer Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the cubed potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and dried rosemary. Ensure all ingredients are well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook for 1 hour.
The science of cooking explains that slow cooking tough cuts of meat, like stewing beef, allows the collagen to break down into gelatin, resulting in exceptionally tender meat.
Continue cooking until the beef is very tender; this could take up to 90 minutes, depending on the cut of beef.
How to Make a Cornstarch Slurry
If you prefer a thicker stew, a cornstarch slurry is an easy way to achieve it.
- Combine equal parts cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. For this recipe, you’ll start with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Whisk the mixture vigorously until it is completely smooth and lump-free.
- Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering stew while continuously stirring.
- Continue stirring until the stew reaches your desired thickness. You may not need to use all of the slurry.
- Allow the stew to boil gently for 1-2 minutes after adding the slurry to ensure the starch is fully cooked and there’s no starchy taste.
- Finish Stew: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Cook just until the peas are heated through and vibrant green. Taste the stew and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Your hearty beef stew recipe is now ready to serve!
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Stew
Crafting the perfect beef stew recipe is simple with a few key techniques. These tips will help you achieve maximum flavor and ideal texture every time.
- Don’t skip searing: Browning the beef is essential. It creates a rich, complex flavor base for the entire stew.
- Avoid overcrowding: Sear the beef in small batches. Overfilling the pot lowers the temperature, preventing proper browning.
- Low and slow: True tenderness comes from gentle, prolonged simmering. Resist the urge to rush the cooking process.
- Taste and adjust: Always taste your stew before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to perfectly balance the flavors.
- Vegetable size: Cut all vegetables to a similar size. This ensures they cook evenly and are tender simultaneously.
- Fresh herbs: While dried herbs work, a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme enhances the aroma and taste significantly.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This delicious beef stew recipe is incredibly versatile, both in how you serve it and how you can customize it.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your homemade beef stew with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping into the rich broth.
- Spoon it generously over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice for a more filling meal.
- Top with crushed crackers or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added texture and freshness.
- Storage:
- Refrigerate any leftover beef stew in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick.
- Variations:
- Add more vegetables: Experiment by adding parsnips, button mushrooms, or sweet potatoes for extra depth and nutrition.
- Different liquids: Substitute the red wine with a dark beer like Guinness for a richer, malty flavor profile in your stew.
- Herbs: Enhance the stew with bay leaf, fresh thyme, or marjoram for slightly different aromatic notes.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmering stage for a subtle kick to your customizable beef stew recipe.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information for your beef stew recipe is an estimate based on the ingredients provided and is calculated per serving (8 servings). Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods. Enjoy your hearty meal!
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 444 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 383mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 5755 IU |
| Vitamin C | 27.1mg |
| Calcium | 73mg |
| Iron | 5.5mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making a delicious and easy beef stew recipe. These answers will help you troubleshoot and customize your culinary creation.
What is the best beef for stew?
Chuck roast is ideal for this beef stew recipe because it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Stew meat, often pre-cut chuck, also works perfectly.
Can I make this beef stew recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you certainly can! Brown the beef and sauté the onions first, then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker. Simmer on low for 6-8 hours.
How long does beef stew last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, your homemade beef stew will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to customize your beef stew with vegetables like parsnips, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes.
Why is my beef stew meat tough?
Tough meat usually means it hasn’t simmered long enough. Ensure your beef stew cooks on a low heat for the full duration, allowing the connective tissues to break down.
Conclusion
Embrace the comforting flavors of this classic and easy beef stew recipe. With its tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and rich gravy, it’s truly a satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to any table. This straightforward guide ensures even beginners can achieve a fantastic result. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this hearty, homemade recipe that promises to become a cherished family favorite.
