beef stew – recipesshubb

Classic Beef Stew (Hearty & Comforting)

Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food: tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth simmered to perfection. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.

With simple ingredients and a slow-cooked method, this stew becomes deeply flavorful while remaining easy to make. Serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over rice for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef
Rich, savory broth full of flavor
Hearty vegetables in every bite
Perfect for make-ahead or freezer meals
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables

Ingredients

2 lb (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dredging)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
Lightly dredge the beef in flour, shaking off excess.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef on all sides in batches, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Stew

Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Return beef to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add potatoes.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Remove bay leaves before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor.
Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

Use chuck or stew beef for tender results
Brown the beef for extra flavor
Don’t rush the simmer—slow cooking develops rich flavor
Add root vegetables like turnips or parsnips for variety

Variations

Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Instant Pot Version: Sauté beef and veggies, then pressure cook for 35 minutes.
Hearty Winter Stew: Add barley or lentils for extra texture and nutrition.
Spicy Twist: Add smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes.

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave

Final Thoughts

This classic beef stew is the ultimate comfort food: tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.