Classic Beef Stew Recipe: Hearty One-Pot Comfort Meal in Hours

Hearty Classic Beef Stew: The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a rich, flavorful beef stew simmering on the stovetop on a chilly evening. This hearty beef stew recipe combines tender chunks of beef with wholesome vegetables in a savory broth that develops incredible depth of flavor as it cooks. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this classic American comfort food gets better with time!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven for easy cleanup
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable cuts of beef that become tender through slow cooking
• Customizable: Easy to adjust with your favorite vegetables or seasonings
• Family Favorite: Hearty, satisfying comfort food that everyone will love

Key Ingredients for Perfect Beef Stew

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make the Best Beef Stew

1. Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Working in batches, add beef to the pot in a single layer (don’t overcrowd) and cook until well browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pot. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux.
6. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to scrape up all the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
7. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
8. Return the browned beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
10. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Return to a simmer, cover, and cook for another 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
11. Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
12. Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Incredible Beef Stew

• Choose the right beef: Chuck roast is ideal for beef stew as it becomes tender and flavorful when slowly cooked.
• Brown in batches: Don’t crowd the pan when browning the meat. Work in batches to ensure each piece gets properly seared, which creates deep flavor.
• Deglaze thoroughly: Make sure to scrape all those browned bits from the bottom of the pot – they’re pure flavor!
• Let it rest: If possible, let the stew cool and refrigerate overnight. The flavors will meld and intensify, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Add acid: A splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice right at the end can brighten all the flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Stew

This classic beef stew is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but here are some delicious sides to complement it:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls for sopping up the delicious gravy
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes
• Steamed green beans or roasted brussels sprouts

Storing and Reheating Your Beef Stew

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Beef stew freezes beautifully! Allow to cool completely, then transfer to freezer containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stew

What’s the best meat for beef stew?

Chuck roast is ideal for beef stew. It has excellent marbling and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Other good options include bottom round, short ribs, or brisket.

How do I thicken my beef stew?

The flour added to the onions creates a natural thickening agent. If you prefer an even thicker stew, you can make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir this into the simmering stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Can I use red wine in beef stew?

Yes! For a deeper flavor, replace 1 cup of the beef broth with dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Add it after cooking the onions and garlic to deglaze the pot.

Why This Beef Stew Recipe Works

The magic of this classic beef stew lies in building layers of flavor. First, by properly browning the meat to create a rich foundation. Then, by slowly simmering tough cuts of beef until they become meltingly tender. The vegetables absorb all the savory goodness from the broth, and the herbs infuse everything with their aromatic essence. The result is a deeply satisfying beef stew that’s greater than the sum of its parts – true comfort food that nourishes body and soul.