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How to Make Hearty Homemade Beef Stew

This classic beef stew recipe combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, it's a comforting one-pot meal that's ideal for family dinners or meal prep. The depth of flavor develops as it simmers, creating a satisfying and nourishing dish.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

2 hours

Servings

6

Difficulty

Intermediate

Simple Summary

Learn how to make a delicious and comforting classic beef stew, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This hearty dish is packed with tender meat, vegetables, and rich flavors.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper until evenly coated.

  2. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 5 minutes per batch, adding more oil if needed. Transfer browned beef to a plate.

  3. In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

  4. Add the wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

  5. Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, and remaining salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

  7. Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

  8. Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

  9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Chef's Notes

  • For extra tenderness, you can marinate the beef cubes overnight in red wine before cooking.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
  • To thicken the stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot during cooking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 450 calories. This dish is high in protein from the beef, and provides a good source of vitamins A and C from the vegetables. It also contains iron and B vitamins from the meat and potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over egg noodles to soak up the rich gravy. A simple green salad makes a great side to balance the meal. For a cozy dinner party, pair with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Garnish with additional fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an elegant presentation.