Beef Stew Recipe: A Comforting Classic for Any Night

beef stew recipe

Nothing feels better on a chilly evening than a bowl of warm, hearty beef stew.

It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and fills you up with every bite.

This beef stew recipe is simple, doesn’t need fancy tools, and uses ingredients you probably already have at home.

Let’s walk through it step by step, so you can make a delicious stew that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy lunch the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew

This beef stew is full of tender meat, soft vegetables, and a rich broth.

It cooks low and slow, which means every bite is packed with flavor.

The best part? You only need one big pot, so cleanup is easy.

You can also adjust it to your taste.

Add extra veggies, toss in some herbs you love, or skip something you don’t like.

It’s a forgiving recipe that always comes out tasty.

Start Making Ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 6 servings of hearty beef stew:

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1.5 pounds (700g) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup frozen peas (add at the end)
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it helps to get everything ready.

This makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Begin by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery.

Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks. Measure out your broth, water, and seasonings.

Having everything prepared means you won’t have to scramble while things are sizzling on the stove.

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Step 2: Brown the Beef for Extra Flavor

Place a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium-high heat.

Add the cooking oil and let it get nice and hot.

Add the beef pieces in a single layer.

Don’t overcrowd the pot—if you need to, cook the beef in two batches.

Let the beef cook for about 2–3 minutes without stirring.

This helps it develop a rich, brown crust which adds deep flavor to your stew.

Once browned on all sides, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

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Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Keep the same pot on medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes until it turns soft and golden.

Next, add the garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery.

Stir everything together and cook for another 4–5 minutes.

This helps the veggies release their flavors, which makes your stew even tastier.

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Step 4: Build the Broth and Bring It Together

Add the tomato paste to the pot. Stir it well and let it cook for a minute.

This step gives your broth a richer color and taste.

Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and mix it in.

The flour helps to thicken the stew as it cooks.

Pour in the beef broth and the extra cup of water.

Stir well to combine everything.

Add the browned beef back into the pot along with any juices from the plate.

Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, and drop in the bay leaf.

Give the stew a good stir. It will look a bit thin at this point, but it will thicken beautifully as it cooks.

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Step 5: Let It Simmer Low and Slow

Turn the heat down to low and cover the pot with a lid.

Let your stew cook gently for about 2 hours.

This long, slow simmering time makes the beef soft and tender.

It also allows all the flavors to come together perfectly.

Check the stew once or twice as it cooks.

Give it a gentle stir to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.

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Step 6: Add Peas and Finish Up

When the stew has about 10 minutes left to cook, remove the lid and take out the bay leaf.

Add the frozen peas and stir them in.

They’ll cook quickly in the hot stew.

Taste your stew and adjust the salt or pepper if you need to.

A little fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top makes it look extra nice.

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How to Serve Beef Stew

You can enjoy beef stew just as it is—it’s a complete meal in one bowl. But you can also serve it with:

  • Warm crusty bread to soak up the broth
  • A side of rice or egg noodles
  • A simple green salad for extra freshness

This stew tastes even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make extra!

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover stew cool down before you store it. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you want to freeze it, divide it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Beef stew freezes well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

Pick the Right Beef

Use cuts like chuck roast or stew meat. These become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.

Don’t Rush

Low and slow is the secret. Letting the stew simmer gently makes the beef soft and the broth rich.

Adjust to Your Taste

Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, parsnips, or even corn. If you like a thicker stew, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes.

Add Fresh Herbs

A handful of chopped parsley or thyme at the end adds a nice fresh touch.

Final Thoughts

Beef stew is a classic for a reason—it’s warm, filling, and brings people together around the table. You don’t need special tools or fancy ingredients, just a big pot, some basic staples, and a little time.

Once you’ve made this recipe once, you’ll see how easy it is to make it your own. Change up the veggies, add your favorite herbs, or make it spicy if you like a little kick.

Next time you’re craving something cozy, give this beef stew recipe a try. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home with every bite.