How To Make A Homemade Beef Stew

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of beef stew on a chilly day! This one-pot dish is full of tender beef chunks, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth.


Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Beef Stew:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons flour (to thicken)

For the Broth:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary (fresh or dried)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for extra thickness, optional)

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef

  • Pat the beef cubes dry and toss with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and flour.
  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  • In the same pot, add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.

3. Build the Broth

  • Pour in red wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
  • Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme.
  • Return the seared beef to the pot and stir well.

4. Simmer Until Tender

  • Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the Vegetables

  • Add carrots, potatoes, and celery, then continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until tender.
  • If a thicker broth is desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in.

6. Serve & Enjoy

  • Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice.

Serving Suggestions

✔ Pair with: Crusty bread, garlic toast, or mashed potatoes.
✔ Make it a meal: Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
✔ Toppings: Fresh parsley, a sprinkle of cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.


Storage & Reheating

✔ Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
✔ Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.


Pro Tips for the Best Beef Stew

✔ Use marbled beef chuck for the most tender, flavorful bites.
✔ Low and slow cooking ensures the beef gets ultra-tender.
✔ Sear the beef first to add depth to the broth.
✔ Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor!


Would you like a slow cooker or Instant Pot version of this recipe? 😊

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