There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade beef stew. This old-fashioned beef stew is rich, hearty, and packed with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and a flavorful broth that simmers to perfection. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew is a timeless comfort food that never goes out of style.
This slow-simmered beef stew is everything you love about a home-cooked meal—warm, nourishing, and deeply flavorful. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients that blend together beautifully to create a meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Stew:
- Beef chuck, cut into cubes – 800g
- All-purpose flour – 30g (¼ cup)
- Olive oil – 30ml (2 tbsp)
- Yellow onion, diced – 1 medium (about 100g)
- Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
- Carrots, sliced – 3 medium (about 200g)
- Celery, chopped – 2 stalks (about 100g)
- Potatoes, diced – 400g (about 3 medium)
- Tomato paste – 30g (2 tbsp)
- Beef broth – 960ml (4 cups)
- Red wine (optional, for richness) – 120ml (½ cup)
- Worcestershire sauce – 15ml (1 tbsp)
- Bay leaves – 2
- Dried thyme – 1 tsp
- Paprika – ½ tsp
- Salt – 1½ tsp (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel, then toss them in flour, coating evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in a single layer and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Return the seared beef to the pot along with the bay leaves.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Potatoes
- After about 1 hour, add the potatoes and continue simmering for another 45 minutes or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are soft.
Step 5: Final Touches & Serve
- Remove the bay leaves from the stew.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Beef Stew
✔ Use the Right Cut of Beef – Chuck roast is the best for stew because it becomes meltingly tender when slow-cooked. Avoid leaner cuts as they can become tough.
✔ Deglaze the Pot – Adding red wine or a splash of beef broth to the pot after browning the meat helps lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
✔ Cook Low & Slow – The key to a rich, flavorful stew is slow cooking. The longer it simmers, the more tender and delicious the beef becomes.
✔ Make It Thicker – If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
✔ Make It Ahead – Beef stew tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
???? With Bread – Serve with crusty French bread, garlic bread, or cornbread for the perfect pairing.
???? Over Rice or Noodles – Spoon this hearty stew over buttered egg noodles or steamed rice for an extra-filling meal.
???? With a Side Salad – A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the stew.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Classic & Hearty – A comforting, rich, and flavorful stew that’s perfect for cold weather.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and hands-off simmering make this a stress-free dish.
✅ One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly – This stew stores well and tastes even better the next day!
Leave a Comment