There's nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew to make you feel cozy and comforted, especially on a chilly day. This classic beef stew recipe is packed with tender chunks of beef, rich vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth. If you're looking to make a perfect beef stew that will satisfy your taste buds, keep reading to learn all the steps, ingredients, and tips to make the best stew ever. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide has everything you need to cook an irresistible beef stew from scratch.

What is Beef Stew?
Beef stew is a savory dish made by slow-cooking chunks of beef in a flavorful broth, along with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery. The beef becomes tender, and the broth turns rich and thick as it simmers, creating a deeply satisfying meal. Traditionally, beef stew is made in a pot on the stove, but it can also be adapted for a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven-baking.
Ingredients List for Beef Stew
To make a classic beef stew, gather the following ingredients:
- Beef Chuck Roast (1.5 to 2 lbs) – Cut into 1-inch cubes for the perfect bite-size pieces that will turn tender as they cook.
- Salt and Pepper – Season the beef for a well-rounded flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For browning the beef and adding richness.
- Onion (1 large) – Diced; adds a savory base to the stew.
- Garlic (3 cloves) – Minced; enhances the aroma and depth of flavor.
- Carrots (3 medium) – Sliced into rounds; add sweetness and color.
- Celery (2 stalks) – Sliced; provides a slight crunch and earthy flavor.
- Potatoes (2 large) – Cut into chunks; add texture and heartiness.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp) – For a touch of tanginess and thickness in the broth.
- Beef Broth (4 cups) – The base of the stew, giving it a rich, beefy flavor.
- Red Wine (1 cup, optional) – Adds complexity and depth to the stew.
- Bay Leaves (2) – For added fragrance and depth of flavor.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon dried, or a few sprigs fresh) – A traditional herb that complements beef beautifully.
- Rosemary (1 teaspoon dried, or a few sprigs fresh) – Adds an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Flour (¼ cup) – To thicken the stew and give it body.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like parsnips, mushrooms, or peas to give your stew more variety and texture.
- Red Wine: If you prefer not to use alcohol, replace the red wine with an extra cup of beef broth.
- Potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be substituted for a slightly sweeter, healthier twist.
- Herbs: Swap thyme and rosemary with herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Beef Cuts: Use other cuts of beef like brisket or stewing beef if you can’t find chuck roast, but remember to adjust cooking time as needed.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a quick rundown of how to make beef stew, with each step explained in detail below. Follow this guide to make a rich, savory stew with tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables.
- Prepare and Season the Beef: Pat the beef chunks dry and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and cook until translucent. Then add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to bring out its sweetness.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine (or extra broth) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Return the beef to the pot along with carrots, celery, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Thicken the Stew: Mix flour with a bit of cold water to form a slurry and stir it into the stew to thicken the broth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Cook Beef Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef
Patting the beef chunks dry with paper towels helps them brown better. Seasoning them with salt and pepper at this stage infuses flavor directly into the meat.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Searing the beef is crucial to building a rich flavor base for the stew. Heat oil in a heavy pot and cook the beef in batches. Browning the meat properly ensures deep, caramelized flavors.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
After removing the beef, add onions and garlic to the pot. These ingredients form the savory backbone of the stew, releasing their flavors into the oil and creating a flavorful base.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste
Tomato paste gives the stew a subtle acidity and enhances its color. Cooking the paste for a minute or two before adding liquids prevents it from tasting too raw.
Step 5: Deglaze with Red Wine
Adding red wine (or extra broth) at this point loosens the browned bits stuck to the pot. This step is key for a rich, complex flavor in the stew.
Step 6: Add Vegetables and Herbs
Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. These ingredients contribute texture, flavor, and heartiness to the stew.
Step 7: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth, then bring the mixture to a boil before reducing it to a low simmer. Simmering slowly helps tenderize the beef and meld the flavors together.
Step 8: Thicken the Stew
To thicken, make a slurry by mixing flour and water. Stir this into the stew and cook for another 10–15 minutes until the broth reaches your desired consistency.
Step 9: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your stew before serving and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Sear: Not browning the beef enough results in a less flavorful stew.
- Adding All Ingredients at Once: Layering flavors by adding ingredients in stages makes a huge difference.
- Using Low-Quality Beef Broth: The broth is key to flavor; use a good-quality one or make your own.
- Overcooking Vegetables: Adding the potatoes and carrots too early can make them mushy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A beef stew can look as amazing as it tastes. For the best presentation:
- Use Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
- Serve with Bread: A crusty baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Choose Attractive Bowls: A shallow bowl shows off the colors and textures of the stew.
How to Serve Beef Stew
Serve your beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme. It pairs well with a side of bread or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it with rice or noodles.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Stew
- Rustic Look: Serve in rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy feel.
- Garnish with Herbs: Add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme on top for a visually appealing touch.
- Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: A spoonful of sour cream adds contrast in color and a bit of tangy flavor.
Beef Stew Recipe Tips
- Cook Low and Slow: The secret to tender beef stew is low, slow cooking to break down the fibers in the meat.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Searing properly is essential for flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh thyme and rosemary enhance the flavor better than dried.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze beef stew?
A: Yes, beef stew freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: What cut of beef is best for stew?
A: Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and ability to turn tender during slow cooking.
Q: How can I make my stew thicker?
A: Use a flour or cornstarch slurry, or let the stew simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
Q: Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Sear the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Conclusion
With this classic beef stew recipe, you’ll have a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. The rich flavors of tender beef, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs will make this dish a household favorite. Try it today, and impress everyone with your cooking skills! Grab your ingredients and follow this guide to create a mouthwatering beef stew that will warm you from the inside out. Enjoy!
PrintBeef Stew Recipe
Classic beef stew recipe featuring tender beef chunks, potatoes, carrots, and rich broth. Perfect comfort food for fall and winter, easy to make, and full of flavor. Ideal for family dinners with a filling, nutritious profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 large potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef and brown on all sides.
- Remove beef, add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, cooking briefly. Add beef broth, wine, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Return beef to the pot, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 1 hour.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and celery; simmer for another 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into stew.
- Beef stew can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750 mg
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