Beef Stew Recipe

Victoria

Warm up with this hearty beef stew recipe! Tender beef, rich broth, and wholesome veggies make this the perfect comfort food for any night.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 20

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Calories 420 kcal

2 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes: This cut is perfect for stewing as it becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the beef to lock in those deep rich flavors.
1 medium onion chopped: Adds a savory base to the stew.
3 cloves garlic minced: For that aromatic, flavorful kick.
3 medium carrots peeled and sliced: Carrots add a slight sweetness and texture to balance the savory beef.
3 large potatoes peeled and cubed: Potatoes absorb all the delicious flavors and make the stew more filling.
2 cups beef broth: Use a high-quality broth for a rich and hearty base.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Enhances the stew’s color and adds a subtle tanginess.
2 teaspoons dried thyme: This herb infuses the stew with a savory earthy aroma.
2 teaspoons dried rosemary: Adds a woody fragrance and works beautifully with the beef.
1 bay leaf: A subtle addition that enhances the overall flavor of the stew.
Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water: If you prefer a thicker stew this simple slurry will help achieve the desired consistency.
Mashed potatoes optional: If you want your stew to be even thicker, mashing a few of the potatoes directly in the pot will do the trick.

Fresh parsley provides both colorfulness and freshness when chopped into pieces for a finished dish.

Now that you have all your ingredients you’re ready to start cooking. Let’s move on to the next step and bring all these delicious flavors to life!

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! This beef stew recipe is simple, but the slow-cooked flavors will make it feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Let’s walk through the steps together.

To kick things off, you want to develop a rich, deep flavor in the beef. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) and sear them on all sides until they're browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Don’t rush this step! The searing process locks in the juices and adds a lot of flavor to your stew.

Take the seared beef from the pot before setting it aside.Place the cut onions and garlic into the same cooking pot. Continue sautéing the onions between 2-3 minutes until they become completely soft and transparent. This will build a flavorful base for your stew. You can scrape up any brown bits left from the beef (known as fond)—these little bits are packed with flavor!

Add the tomato paste to the onions and garlic, stirring it in to coat the vegetables. This will give your stew a rich depth of flavor.

Return the seared beef to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. All ingredients should be stirred before heating the mixture to boiling temperature. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the flavors have melded together.

After a few hours, check the stew for seasoning. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. If you’d like a thicker stew, you can mash a few of the potatoes in the pot to create a heartier texture. Alternatively, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stirring it into the stew. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Once the stew is perfectly thickened and seasoned to your liking, remove the bay leaf. Serve the stew hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

And there you have it—simple steps that lead to a bowl of hearty, flavorful beef stew. Enjoy this meal with a side of crusty bread or a light salad to balance out the richness!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

Keyword Beef Stew, Comfort Food, Hearty Dinner, One-Pot Meal