The Ultimate Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

When the chill of the season sets in, nothing compares to a warm, comforting bowl of homemade beef stew recipe. Imagine tender, succulent beef, bathing in a rich, savory broth alongside wholesome vegetables. This classic dish offers deep flavors and incredible satisfaction, proving that creating delicious meals from scratch can be both simple and rewarding. Get ready to enjoy a truly hearty meal!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew Recipe

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: The stewing process transforms the beef into incredibly tender, fall-apart pieces.
• Rich, Savory Broth: A deeply flavored broth provides the perfect hearty base for all the ingredients.
• Hearty & Satisfying: This dish is a complete meal in itself, perfect for filling hungry tummies.
• Customizable Goodness: Easily swap in your favorite root vegetables or greens to make it uniquely yours.
• Cozy Cold-Weather Comfort: It’s the ultimate warming meal for chilly evenings, bringing comfort with every spoonful.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Even picky eaters will love this classic, comforting beef stew recipe.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups beef broth
• 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 best beef stew recipe, choose chuck roast or dedicated stew meat; these cuts become incredibly tender. Serious Eats offers a comprehensive guide on the best cuts of beef for stewing, highlighting how collagen-rich options yield the most tender results. Feel free to swap vegetables like parsnips, mushrooms, or turnips for carrots and potatoes. Enhance the liquid with an extra cup of beef broth instead of wine, or use a dark beer for a different flavor profile. . You can thicken the stew with all-purpose flour by coating the beef, or use a cornstarch slurry for a gluten-free option.

Equipment

You will need a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot to prepare this comforting beef stew. Essential kitchen tools include a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife for preparing ingredients. Make sure to have your measuring cups and spoons ready for accuracy.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious beef stew recipe everyone will adore.

1. Step 1: Prep the beef.Combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Toss the cubed stewing beef evenly in this flour mixture. This coating helps to tenderize the meat and slightly thicken the sauce.
2. Step 2: Brown the 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. Brown the beef in small batches until deeply colored on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned beef and set it aside in a bowl.
3. Step 3: Sauté aromatics.Add the chopped onion to the same pot, adding a touch more olive oil if needed. Cook the onion until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
4. Step 4: Build the liquid base.Pour in the beef broth . Continue scraping the bottom of the pot to release all those flavorful browned bits, which will enrich your stew.
5. Step 5: Simmer the stew.Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the cubed potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and dried rosemary. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is wonderfully tender (this can take up to 90 minutes).
6. Step 6: Thicken the stew.In a small bowl, mix equal parts cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the boiling stew, stirring continuously until you reach your desired consistency. You might not need all of the slurry; add more for a thicker stew.
7. Step 7: Finish and serve.Stir in the peas and allow the stew to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, just until the peas are heated through. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty meal.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Achieve tender beef: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning; this ensures a good sear. Always simmer the stew low and slow for the most tender results.
• Prevent tough beef: Ensure you use the correct beef cuts, like chuck roast. Cook for the full duration recommended to break down tough fibers.
• Deepen flavor: Deglaze the pan thoroughly after browning the beef to capture all those rich flavors. Use a high-quality beef broth for a superior taste.
• Perfect consistency: Add the cornstarch slurry gradually, stirring constantly. Make sure the stew is boiling when you add the slurry for proper thickening.
• Avoid mushy vegetables: Add harder root vegetables like potatoes and carrots earlier in the cooking process. Softer vegetables like peas should go in closer to the end.
• Seasoning advice: Always taste the stew just before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed to enhance all the flavors.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this robust beef stew recipe with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping. It also pairs wonderfully over fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of rice. For a balanced meal, consider adding a simple green salad on the side.

Storage & Freezing

Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. According to safe storage recommendations, cooked beef dishes like stews can be refrigerated for 3-4 days at 40 degrees F. Thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.

Variations

Experiment with vegetable swaps like parsnips, turnips, or sliced mushrooms for added variety. Try different herbs such as fresh thyme or bay leaves for a nuanced flavor. For a shortcut, adapt this beef stew recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Nutrition Information

This hearty beef stew offers a robust nutritional profile, providing essential protein and carbohydrates. The vegetables contribute fiber and vital nutrients, making it a wholesome meal. Enjoy this flavorful dish knowing it fuels your body with goodness.

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best cut of beef for beef stew?

Chuck roast or dedicated beef stew meat works best. These cuts have enough fat and collagen to break down beautifully into tender, flavorful pieces during long, slow cooking.

How long does it take for beef stew to get tender?

Typically, beef stew needs to simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours after adding the liquids and vegetables. This ensures the beef becomes wonderfully fork-tender and the flavors meld.

How do you thicken beef stew without flour?

You can easily thicken your stew using a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then slowly stir it into the boiling stew until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make beef stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This beef stew recipe is fantastic for meal prep. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Is this beef stew recipe gluten-free?

With a simple adjustment, it can be. If you omit the flour used to coat the beef and thicken with a cornstarch slurry instead, this beef stew becomes a gluten-free friendly option.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and hearty taste of a homemade beef stew recipe. This classic dish, with its tender beef, rich broth, and wholesome vegetables, delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. We encourage you to try this easy-to-follow recipe and experience the joy of creating a truly memorable meal. Share your delicious creations with us!

The Ultimate Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

This ultimate hearty beef stew is packed with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich savory broth, perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 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
• 1 onion chopped
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 pound potatoes peeled and cubed
• 4 carrots cut into 1 inch pieces
• 4 celery cut into 1 inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon rosemary dried or 1 sprig fresh
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or as needed
• 2 tablespoons water or as needed
• ¾ cup peas

Seasoning

• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven or Pot
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; then toss the cubed beef in this mixture until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot. Brown the floured beef in small batches, then remove and set aside in a bowl.

Cooking the Stew

1. Add onions to the pot, with more oil if needed, and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
2. Pour in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
3. Return the browned beef to the pot along with potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 60-90 minutes until the beef is tender.
4. Combine cornstarch and water to form a slurry; gradually stir this into the boiling stew to thicken it to your desired consistency.
5. Stir in peas and simmer for 5-10 minutes, then season the stew with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

Brown beef in small batches to ensure even browning and a rich flavor. Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve your preferred stew thickness. Always season with salt and pepper to taste at the end for the best flavor.

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.