The aroma of tender beef simmering with carrots and herbs is pure comfort on a chilly evening. This classic beef stew recipe warms the soul and fills the house with cozy vibes, making it a favorite for chilly nights. Everyone craves that hearty, homemade feeling that comes with a bowl of stew, don’t you think?
This dish combines succulent chunks of beef, vibrant carrots, and fragrant herbs for a robust flavor that comes together effortlessly. Just toss everything in your slow cooker or Dutch oven, and let it work its magic! It’s that simplelike the old-fashioned recipe you remember but ready to enjoy with minimal fuss. And guess what? It’s also freezer-friendly, perfect for meal prep!
I’ve been making this stew on cold Sundays since 2012, when my family needed a little extra coziness during winter. The first time I served it, my husband couldn’t stop raving about how tender it was! The secret? Searing the meat before adding it to the pot amplifies the flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes for that rich, savory taste.
Thomas Baker
Classic Beef Stew Recipe: Delicious and Easy to Make
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic beef stew recipe that features tender chunks of beef simmered with carrots and potatoes. This old fashioned beef stew brings hearty, rich taste perfect for any chilly day. Whether you’re looking for a hearty beef stew crockpot option or a dutch oven beef stew recipe, this easy one pot beef stew delivers comforting, make ahead beef stew freezer-friendly goodness.
1 green bell pepper chopped (use jalapenos for a spicier version)
1 stalk celery chopped
5 garlic cloves chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups red wine I use Cabernet Sauvignon – use beef stock as an alternative
2 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning use your favorite blend of dried herbs
2 bay leaves
1 pound yellow potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces
3 large carrots cut into bite-sized pieces
Method
Combine flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl and coat each beef chunk thoroughly.
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and brown the beef in batches, about 5 minutes per side, adding oil before each batch. Set browned beef aside.
After searing all meat, add remaining olive oil to the pot, then cook onions, green peppers, and celery over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook another minute, ensuring even mixing.
Pour in red wine, beef stock, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the pot bottom to loosen browned bits.
Return the seared beef and any juices back into the pot, along with Italian seasoning and bay leaves.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 2 hours.
Remove the lid and add potatoes and carrots to the pot, continuing to simmer uncovered for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender and beef is fork soft.
Take the stew off the heat and serve immediately or refrigerate for a day to enhance the flavors before reheating and enjoying.
Notes
For a spicier version, substitute green bell pepper with jalapenos. Refrigerating the stew overnight significantly improves the depth of flavor. This stew is freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Stew Recipe
Comforting Flavor: This classic beef stew recipe is like a warm hug. The savory beef paired with tender veggies creates a nostalgic, hearty meal.
Hearty Ingredients: Filled with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, this dish is the epitome of winter comfort food. It’s truly filling!
Simple Preparation: Even if you’re new to cooking, this easy one-pot beef stew comes together with minimal fuss. Just follow the steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal.
Freezer Friendly: Make ahead and freeze portions for those busy weeknights. This stew keeps well and tastes even better the next day!
Key Ingredients and Tools
Here’s what you need to whip up this cozy classic:
Beef Chuck: The star of the show! This cut is perfect for stewing as it becomes wonderfully tender.
Seasonings: A simple blend of flour, paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the beef flavor beautifully.
Vegetables: A mix of onions, bell peppers, celery, garlic, potatoes, and carrots adds nutrition and texture.
Cooking Tools: You’ll need a Dutch oven or a large pot for simmering, and a wooden spoon for stirring. A ladle is handy for serving too!
How It Works: Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Beef: In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the beef chunks evenly.
Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in your pot. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring it gets a nice browning (about 5 minutes per batch). Set aside each batch as you finish.
Sauté the Veggies: Add more olive oil to the pot and cook onions, bell peppers, and celery for a few minutes until softened.
Add Flavor: Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking briefly before adding red wine and beef stock. Scrape up any brown bits for extra flavor!
Combine: Add the seared beef back in, along with Italian seasoning and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 2 hours.
Veggie Time: Add potatoes and carrots, and simmer uncovered for another hour until everything is tender.
Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate overnight for even richer flavors.
Troubleshooting Tips
Meat Toughness: If the beef isn’t tender after the suggested cooking time, give it a bit more time to simmer. Low and slow always wins the tenderness race!
Thickness: For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or stir in a bit of flour mixed with cold water.
Flavor Boost: If you crave deeper flavor, add more Worcestershire sauce or Italian herbs to enhance the taste.
Tweaks and Variations
Spicier Kick: Use jalapenos instead of green bell peppers.
Guinness Twist: Substitute red wine with Irish stout beer for a rich, hearty flavor reminiscent of Irish beef stew guinness.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap flour with a gluten-free blend to suit dietary needs.
Serving and Storage Tips
To serve this classic beef stew recipe:
Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a rounded meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for latergreat for a make-ahead beef stew freezer meal!
Simply reheat over the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef stock if it needs some moisture.
Ingredient
Purpose
Beef Chuck
Main Protein Source
Carrots & Potatoes
Add heartiness and flavor
Red Wine
Enhances depth of flavor
Olive Oil
For searing and sautéing
Quick Step Summary
Step
Time
Sear Beef
15 minutes
Sauté Veggies
5 minutes
Simmer Stew
3 hours
Expert Says
For a truly outstanding classic beef stew recipe, it’s essential to sear the meat before braising. This caramelization enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction, creating a rich, savory base. Additionally, allowing the stew to rest after cooking improves flavor development as the ingredients meld together, resulting in a comforting, hearty dish.
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The Journey to My Classic Beef Stew Recipe
After several attempts, I finally crafted this classic beef stew recipe, learning along the way that less can truly be more. The first few tries ended in overly thick gravy or bland meat, but now, it’s a perfect balance of rich flavors and tender beef, warming my family’s hearts and filling the house with delicious scents.
FAQs ( Classic Beef Stew Recipe )
What cut of beef is best for stew?
For a hearty stew, choose cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or round. These cuts become tender and flavorful during slow cooking, making them perfect for this recipe. Avoid lean cuts, as they can dry out and won’t provide the rich taste you want.
Can I make beef stew ahead of time?
Yes, beef stew is great for make-ahead meals! You can prepare it a day in advance. The flavors actually deepen and improve after sitting in the fridge overnight, making it an ideal dish for meal prep.
What vegetables are best in beef stew?
Classic choices include potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. These vegetables add rich flavor and texture to the dish, balancing the hearty meat. You can also experiment with parsnips or peas for additional variety.
How long should I cook beef stew?
Cook your stew for about 2 to 3 hours on the stove or 6 to 8 hours on low in a slow cooker. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the meat becomes tender. Make sure to check it periodically for doneness.
Conclusion
You’ll adore this classic beef stew recipe, brimming with tenderness and that homey aromathe perfect warmth for chilly days! Trust me, it’s a hug in a bowl that will have your family asking for seconds.
For a twist, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or swap the carrots for sweet potatoes. A little tip from my kitchen: when reheating, a dash of beef broth brings it back to life beautifully. It’s all about keeping that rich flavor alive!
Did you grow up enjoying something similar? I’d love to hear your stories! Don’t forget to snap a picture of your stew and share it with your loved ones. This comforting family recipe deserves to be passed down, just like the memories it creates.
