Hearty Homemade Beef Stew Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Steaming with rich aromas, this hearty beef stew recipe promises comfort in every spoonful.

Tender chunks of meat slowly simmer in a robust broth that captures deep, satisfying flavors.

Cold winter nights call for warm, nourishing meals that stick to your ribs and warm your soul.

Each bite of this classic beef stew delivers layers of savory goodness straight from the kitchen.

Perfectly seasoned and packed with vegetables, this stew turns simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

The slow-cooking process ensures melt-in-your-mouth meat and vegetables that blend into a harmonious, soul-warming dish.

Gather around the table and savor this timeless, comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

FAQs

• Why should I brown the beef before slow cooking?

Browning creates a flavorful crust called the Maillard reaction, which develops deep, rich flavors and helps seal in the meat’s juices, making the beef more delicious and tender.

• Can I use different types of beef for this stew?

Yes, chuck roast or stew meat works best because these cuts have more connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender meat that falls apart easily.

• Is it necessary to use a Dutch oven for this recipe?

A Dutch oven is ideal because it conducts heat evenly and can go from stovetop to oven, but you can substitute with a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid that can withstand oven temperatures.

Why Homemade Beef Stew Comforts

• Craft Hearty Comfort: A rustic beef stew that wraps you in warm, soul-satisfying flavors perfect for family dinners.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Quick seasoning and browning steps create deep, rich taste without complicated techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• One-Pot Wonder: Using a single Dutch oven means less cleanup and streamlined cooking, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein-rich beef, hearty vegetables, and robust seasonings, this stew delivers a complete, balanced meal that keeps everyone satisfied and nourished.

Beef Stew Ingredient Essentials

• Beef Chunks: A hearty protein that becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking in the stew.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the beef's natural flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps coat the beef and thickens the stew's sauce during cooking.

• Onion, Garlic: Provides a deep, savory base flavor to the stew.
• Carrot, Potatoes: Adds sweetness, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Creates the liquid base for the stew and adds rich meaty depth.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a tangy, umami boost to the overall flavor profile.

• Bay Leaf, Fresh Thyme Leaves: Contributes subtle herbal notes and complexity to the stew.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle fruity undertone.

Steps to Make Beef Stew

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 325 F, getting ready for a delicious cooking adventure.

Step 2: Prep the Beef

Sprinkle the beef chunks with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

Dust them lightly with flour, making sure each piece gets a nice, even coating.

Step 3: Create Golden Goodness

Splash olive oil into a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Sear the beef in batches, turning each piece until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Don’t worry about cooking it completely – just aim for that gorgeous color.

Transfer the browned beef to a waiting plate.

Step 4: Awaken the Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped carrots

Stir and cook until they start to soften and release their delightful flavors.

Step 5: Build Layers of Flavor

• Chopped potatoes
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Bay leaf
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Worcestershire sauce

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Set the Simmer

Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Carefully return the browned beef to the pot, nestling it into the vegetable mixture.

Step 7: Slow and Steady Cooking

Cover the Dutch oven and slide it into the warm oven.

Let the stew cook for 2-2.5 hours, allowing the beef to become meltingly tender.

Remove the bay leaf, give it a taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve up this comforting masterpiece and enjoy!

Tips for Hearty Beef Stew

• Choose chuck roast or stew meat with visible marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
• Dust beef chunks lightly with flour to create a beautiful golden crust and help thicken the stew naturally without extra steps.
• Work in small batches when searing meat to ensure each piece develops a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in incredible flavor.
• Fresh thyme transforms the stew's taste profile, but dried thyme works equally well if fresh herbs aren't available in your kitchen.
• Add extra beef broth if the stew looks too thick during cooking, ensuring a silky, moist consistency throughout the dish.

Beef Stew Flavor Twists

• Lamb Rustic Stew: Replace beef with tender lamb chunks for a rich, Mediterranean-inspired version that offers deeper, more robust flavors.
• Vegetarian Hearty Pot: Swap beef with robust mushrooms like portobello or mixed wild mushrooms, using vegetable broth to create a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use cornstarch instead of flour for coating meat and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, creating an effortless one-pot meal with minimal kitchen preparation.

Serving Homemade Beef Stew Best

• Rustic Bread Companions: Slice crusty sourdough or warm cornbread to soak up the rich, savory stew broth and add delightful texture.
• Cozy Comfort Pairings: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty beef stew and provide fresh contrast.
• Winter Warming Sides: Complement the stew with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to create a satisfying, comforting meal perfect for cold evenings.
• Wine and Dine Option: Pair with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the deep, meaty flavors of the beef stew.

Storing Beef Stew

• Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the stew completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn and preserve taste.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of beef broth if the stew seems too thick.

Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef stew brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Rich, tender chunks of meat simmer alongside root vegetables in a deeply flavorful broth that warms souls and satisfies hunger completely.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks, excess fat removed

Vegetables:

• 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot (or 2 small-medium), cut into 2-inch chunks
• 2 yukon gold potatoes, diced into 2-inch pieces

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for non-gluten)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F, preparing a robust cooking environment for the hearty beef stew.
2. Generously coat beef chunks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then dust with flour, ensuring an even, light covering that will help create a rich, golden crust.
3. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat and methodically brown beef chunks in batches, developing deep caramelized edges for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate.
4. Sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, and carrots in the same pot, stirring frequently until vegetables become fragrant and slightly golden, releasing their natural sweetness.
5. Introduce chopped potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce into the pot, vigorously scraping accumulated flavor-rich browned bits from the bottom.
6. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer, carefully reintroducing the browned beef chunks into the liquid, then cover and transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven.
7. Allow the stew to slowly transform for 2-2.5 hours, letting the beef become incredibly tender and the flavors meld completely. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Select tough, well-marbled beef cuts like chuck roast for maximum flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
• Coat beef chunks thoroughly with flour to create a delicious golden crust and help thicken the stew naturally.
• Brown meat in batches to maintain high pan temperature, ensuring perfect caramelization without steaming the beef.
• Use low and slow oven temperature to break down connective tissues, transforming tough meat into melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Replace beef with mushrooms or lentils for vegetarian version, maintaining similar rich umami profile.
• Add extra vegetables like celery or parsnips for increased nutrition and depth of flavor.
• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days, as flavors continue to develop and improve overnight.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg