Beef Stew Recipe – A Warm and Cozy One-Pot Meal
Prep time: 2h 20mins | 6 Servings
When it comes to hearty comfort food, nothing beats a warm bowl of beef stew. This timeless dish is rich, flavorful, and filled with tender chunks of beef, wholesome vegetables, and a savory broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a chilly evening or preparing a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights, this beef stew recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
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Why Beef Stew Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Beef stew has been enjoyed across cultures for centuries. From French boeuf bourguignon to Irish stew, every region has its own take on this cozy dish. What makes beef stew so special is its versatility and heartiness. It’s affordable, easy to customize, and packs a punch of nutrition thanks to the beef, vegetables, and slow-cooked broth.
Another reason people love beef stew is its ability to feed a crowd. A single pot can serve the whole family, and leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Ingredients
To make a rich and flavorful beef stew, you’ll need a combination of protein, vegetables, herbs, and broth. Here’s a list of essentials:
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
3 carrots, sliced into rounds
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid & Flavor Base
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Herbs & Spices
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Thickening
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make a rich, hearty stew:
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat the beef cubes lightly with flour, then sear them in batches until golden brown on all sides. Browning locks in flavor and adds depth to the stew.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and celery until soft and fragrant. This builds the flavor base.
3. Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the red wine (or a bit of broth if you’re skipping wine). Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen all those flavorful browned bits.
4. Add the Liquid
Return the beef to the pot. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Add thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer.
5. Slow Cook
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Add Vegetables
In the last 30 minutes, add carrots and potatoes. Continue simmering until vegetables are soft but not mushy.
7. Final Adjustments
Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes directly in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Stew
Choose the right cut: Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful after long cooking. Avoid lean cuts that may turn tough.
Don’t rush the browning: Properly searing the beef adds rich, caramelized flavor.
Cook low and slow: The secret to tender beef stew is patience. Letting it simmer gently ensures juicy beef and well-blended flavors.
Make it ahead: Beef stew tastes even better the next day. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
Variations of Beef Stew
The beauty of beef stew is how customizable it is. Here are a few delicious twists:
Irish Beef Stew: Use Guinness instead of wine for a deep, malty flavor.
French-Style Beef Stew: Add pearl onions and mushrooms for a bourguignon-inspired dish.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Gluten-Free Version: Replace flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Vegetable-Packed Stew: Add peas, green beans, or parsnips for extra nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
*Per serving
- Calories450 kcal
- Protein32 g
- Carbohydrates28 g
- Fat18 g
- Saturated Fat6 g
- Cholesterol85 mg
- Sodium800 mg
- Fiber4 g
- Sugar5 g
FAQ's on Beef Stew
Q1. How do I store beef stew?
Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q2. Can I make beef stew without wine?
Yes! Simply replace the wine with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Q3. How do I thicken beef stew?
You can mash some of the potatoes in the pot, add a cornstarch slurry, or let it simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
Q4. Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?
Absolutely. While it won’t technically be beef stew, the same method works well with chicken thighs or pork shoulder.
Final Thoughts
This beef stew recipe is a timeless classic that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire. It’s hearty, nourishing, and packed with comforting flavors that only improve with time. Whether you enjoy it as a Sunday family dinner or prepare it for easy weekday meals, beef stew never disappoints.
