There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of homemade beef stew, especially on a chilly day. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you can almost feel the stress of the day melting away. This Easy Homemade Beef Stew is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! Perfect for quick family dinners, this recipe is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, yet delicious enough to impress your loved ones. And if you’re also looking for easy pasta recipes to complement your meals, I’ve got you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!
- Versatile—add your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Perfect for cozy family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
To make this delicious beef stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 2-inch chunks, excess fat removed)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour (or whole wheat if not gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large carrot (or 2 medium, cut into 2-inch chunks)
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes (diced into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting dish:
- In a large bowl, season the beef chunks with kosher salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss to coat evenly.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the carrots and potatoes, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and add the bay leaf and thyme. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and flavor!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your beef stew turns out perfectly:
- For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth made from scratch or a high-quality store-bought version.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
- For a twist, try adding a splash of red wine to the pot for depth of flavor.
- This recipe is also great for a Simple Crockpot Beef Stew—just follow the same steps and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours!
How to Serve
This beef stew is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
- A fresh green salad to balance the hearty flavors.
- Over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
- Pair it with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
This beef stew is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
So there you have it! A delicious, hearty Beef Stew And Potatoes recipe that will warm your heart and fill your belly. Whether you’re looking for quick beef stew recipes or a comforting meal to share with family, this stew is sure to become a favorite. And if you’re in the mood for something different, check out my Beef with Broccoli or Ground Beef Stroganoff recipes for more delicious options!
Easy Homemade Beef Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Season beef with salt and pepper, then coat with flour.
- Heat oil in a large pot and brown the beef on all sides.
- Add onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes; cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme; simmer for 1-2 hours until beef is tender.
- Remove bay leaf, garnish with thyme, and serve hot.