Easy Beef Stew Recipe That Everyone Loves

Introduction

There’s something magical about a simmering pot of beef stew on the stove. The savory aroma filling the kitchen feels like a warm hug after a long day. Growing up, my mom would start her famous beef stew on lazy Sunday afternoons. By dinnertime, the whole house smelled heavenly rich beef, tender veggies, and that deep, homey broth you could almost taste before the first spoonful.

If you’re craving comfort food that’s hearty, simple, and loaded with flavor, this Easy Beef Stew Recipe is your new go-to. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table go quiet — just the sound of spoons clinking and happy sighs.

What Makes This Recipe Special

• Big, cozy flavor: Each bite bursts with rich beefy goodness, earthy carrots, and a savory, herby sauce.
• Quick prep, slow magic: Just 15 minutes of prep, then the stew does its thing while you relax.
• Totally versatile: Swap in your favorite veggies or make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
• Trending again: Classic comfort food is having a moment — think viral TikTok beef stew bowls and cozy winter reels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stew

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional — or use extra broth)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

How to Make Easy Beef Stew

1. Coat the beef. Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until well coated. This gives the stew its thick, luscious texture later.
2. Brown the meat. Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown all sides. Don’t rush this step — browning adds deep flavor.
3. Sauté the veggies. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots to the pot. Stir for a few minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze and season. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up those golden bits from the bottom. Pour in red wine (or broth) to deglaze the pot.
5. Simmer away. Add potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Thicken and serve. Once the beef is fork-tender and the sauce thickened, taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve warm with crusty bread.

Quick Ingredient Swaps

What to Serve With It

• Crusty artisan bread — perfect for soaking up that savory gravy.
• Simple green salad — adds freshness and crunch to balance the hearty stew.
• Garlic mashed potatoes — because carbs on carbs are absolutely worth it sometimes.

Tips for Perfect Results

1. Brown in batches. Crowding the pot makes the beef steam instead of sear.
2. Use marbled beef. The little streaks of fat melt and make the stew richer.
3. Let it rest. Just 10 minutes before serving helps the flavors settle beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

• Fridge: Keeps for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm slowly on the stove or microwave in short bursts with a splash of broth.

FAQs

1. What is the secret to a good beef stew?
The secret is patience. Browning the beef deeply and simmering low and slow gives unbeatable flavor.

2. Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown your beef first, then cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4.

3. Can I thicken beef stew without flour?
Yes, use cornstarch or mash some potatoes right into the broth for a natural thickener.

4. What kind of beef is best for stew?
Beef chuck is ideal — it’s affordable, flavorful, and becomes tender when simmered.

5. Can I make it ahead?
Yes! In fact, beef stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors mingle overnight.

6. What wine goes best with beef stew?
A dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the richness perfectly.

Conclusion

This Easy Beef Stew Recipe is more than just dinner — it’s a bowl of comfort. Each bite reminds you why simple food can be so special. Whether you’re making it for a family Sunday supper or meal prepping for the week, this stew never disappoints.

If you try it, share your creation on Instagram or TikTok and tag us at @EasyMealsToPrep. And if cozy comfort food is your vibe, don’t miss our Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Soup, Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Classic Homemade Bread, and Baked Mac and Cheese next!

Easy Beef Stew Recipe That Everyone Loves

Sharis Mariner

This cozy beef stew is rich, savory, and perfect for chilly nights. Tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth come together with minimal prep for a classic comfort meal the whole family will love.

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Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle (for serving)

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (or extra broth)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

 

• Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until well coated. This gives the stew its thick, luscious texture later.
• Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown all sides. Don’t rush — browning builds flavor.
• Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
• Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add red wine (or broth) to deglaze.
• Add potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Once beef is fork-tender and sauce thickened, adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve warm with bread.

Notes

You can make this ahead of time — the flavor gets even better the next day! Also works great in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. If skipping wine, replace with extra broth and a splash of balsamic for depth.

Keyword beef stew, comfort food, easy stew recipe, one pot dinner