Beef Stew Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Beef Stew on a cold day. This classic dish is a go-to for cozy family dinners, meal prepping, or a satisfying one-pot meal. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth, beef stew delivers comfort in every bite. Best of all, it’s a versatile dish—you can make it in a crockpot, stovetop, or oven and customize the ingredients to suit your taste. Keep reading for a detailed guide on how to make a delicious beef stew from scratch, along with tips for perfecting the dish, ingredient substitutions, and more!

this Recipe

What is Beef Stew?

Beef Stew is a hearty, slow-cooked dish made from chunks of beef simmered in a savory broth with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. The meat is often browned first to develop rich flavors before being combined with broth and veggies to simmer for several hours. The long cooking process results in a deeply flavored, tender stew that can be served on its own or with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over rice. It’s the perfect dish to make ahead, as the flavors only improve the next day.

Ingredients List for Beef Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to make a traditional, savory beef stew:

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat (chuck roast, brisket, or any tough cut)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)
• 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

You can customize your beef stew with a variety of substitutions and variations:

1. Beef Alternatives: If you don’t have stew meat, you can use other tough cuts of beef like chuck roast, brisket, or even short ribs. For a leaner option, try ground beef or ground turkey, though these won’t need to cook as long.
2. Vegetable Variations: Add other hearty vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes to change up the flavor profile. You can also throw in some greens like spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added nutrition.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to thicken the stew. Simply dissolve the cornstarch in cold water before adding it to the stew to avoid clumping.
4. No Alcohol Version: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of beef broth or even balsamic vinegar for added depth.
5. Slow Cooker Option: To make this recipe in a crockpot, follow the same steps, but after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started! Follow these easy steps to make a delicious and hearty beef stew.

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Begin by seasoning the beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan), and brown it on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavor.

Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well, cooking for about 2 minutes. This will help thicken the stew later on. Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to develop the flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly. If you’re not using wine, simply skip this step and proceed with adding the broth.

Step 5: Add Beef and Broth

Return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Simmer the Stew

Once the stew is simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become very tender, and the flavors will deepen as it cooks. If the stew looks too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water.

Step 7: Add Potatoes and Final Ingredients

After about 1.5 hours of simmering, add the diced potatoes to the stew. Continue cooking for another hour until the potatoes are tender. In the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas (if using) for a burst of color and sweetness.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust

Once the stew is done, remove the bay leaves and taste the broth. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce, if needed. If you’d like the stew thicker, you can mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew, cooking until thickened.

How to Cook Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide

To recap the steps for perfect beef stew:

1. Brown the Beef: Sear the beef in batches for rich flavor.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Cook onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Add Flour and Tomato Paste: Coat the vegetables with flour to thicken the stew, then stir in the tomato paste.
4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in red wine and let it reduce, scraping up any bits stuck to the pot.
5. Simmer the Stew: Add beef, broth, and seasonings, and let everything simmer for 2-2.5 hours.
6. Add Potatoes: Add potatoes midway through cooking and cook until tender.
7. Finish with Peas: Stir in frozen peas (if desired) and adjust the seasoning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: When browning the beef, don’t overcrowd the pan. If the beef is too close together, it will steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavor.
• Undercooking the Stew: Beef stew needs a long, slow cook to break down the tough cuts of meat and develop deep flavors. Don’t rush it!
• Skipping the Flour: Flour helps to thicken the stew, so don’t skip this step unless you’re making a gluten-free version.
• Not Skimming Fat: If your stew is too greasy, you can skim off the fat that rises to the top during cooking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Beef stew is a rustic, comforting dish, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautifully presented! Here’s how to serve and garnish your beef stew:

How to Serve Beef Stew

• With Crusty Bread: Serve the stew with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
• Over Mashed Potatoes: Beef stew is delicious served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
• With Rice or Polenta: If you want a different texture, serve the stew over rice or soft polenta.
• In Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the stew in a hollowed-out bread bowl.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Stew

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Serve in Individual Bowls: For a more refined presentation, ladle the stew into individual bowls and serve with garnishes on the side.
• Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: For extra richness, add a small dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top of each bowl.

Beef Stew Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: Beef stew tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze beef stew in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, use a cornstarch slurry or additional flour. Stir it into the stew during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking and let it simmer until thickened.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a slow cooker to make beef stew?
A: Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Q: What’s the best cut of beef for stew?
A: The best cuts are tough, well-marbled cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or round roast. These cuts become tender after long, slow cooking.

Q: Can I make beef stew without wine?
A: Yes! Simply replace the wine with more beef broth, or use a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor.

Q: How do I thicken beef stew without flour?
A: You can thicken stew with a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water) or by letting the stew simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken naturally.

Conclusion

Making a delicious Beef Stew is easy, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. The slow cooking process creates tender, flavorful beef and perfectly cooked vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, over mashed potatoes, or in a bread bowl, this classic dish is the ultimate comfort food. Try it for your next family dinner or make it ahead for meal prepping—either way, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite!

Print