There’s nothing quite like the rich aroma of simmering beef stew on a chilly afternoon. This easy homemade beef stew fills your kitchen with warmth, making it a perfect indulgence for cozy nights. It’s loved for its classic flavors and hearty ingredients, and it never fails to impress.
This dish brings together tender beef, chunky carrots, and creamy potatoes, all mingling in a savory gravy that’s pure comfort. It’s like your grandma’s stew, but made effortless in a slow cooker. The best part? It uses pantry staples and doesn’t require hours of your timeideal for busy evenings when you crave something nourishing and filling.
I started making this hearty stew back in 2011 when my family needed something warm after a long day out in the cold. The first time I served it, everyone couldn’t stop raving about the flavor! The secret? Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the taste dramatically. Years of testing recipes has led me to assure you, this stew will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home.
Joe Rooney
Easy Homemade Beef Stew for a Cozy Delicious Meal
This easy homemade beef stew is a comforting and delicious meal featuring tender beef chunks, hearty carrots, and potatoes simmered in a flavorful sauce. Perfect as a cozy winter dinner, this easy beef stew recipe delivers a tender beef vegetable stew experience that is simple to prepare and sure to satisfy any appetite.
2 tablespoons Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour or Whole Wheat for non-gluten
2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil
½ Yellow Onion Chopped Large
4 Garlic Cloves minced
1 Large Carrot or two small-medium cut into 2-inch chunks
2 Yukon Gold Potatoes diced into 2-inch pieces
2 Cups Beef Broth see note
¼ Cup Tomato Paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 Bay Leaves
2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme Leaves to garnish
Method
Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to warm up.
Coat the beef chunks with kosher salt, black pepper, and gluten-free flour, ensuring all sides are covered well.
Heat olive or avocado oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and brown the beef evenly in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, then remove and keep aside.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and carrot pieces to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are just starting to brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Mix in the potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits.
Return the browned beef to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer on the stove.
Cover the Dutch oven and place it in the oven; cook for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors are well melded.
Remove the bay leaf, give the stew a taste, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve the stew warm, garnished with fresh thyme.
Notes
If you prefer your stew with more broth, feel free to add 1 to 2 cups of water or extra beef broth about halfway through cooking or 30 minutes before finishing. You can substitute different cuts of beef such as pre-cut stew meat, bottom round, rump roast, or pot roast. To add a spicy kick, stir in 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Chopped celery can also be included for extra flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty Comfort: This easy homemade beef stew captures the essence of comfort food, making it perfect for cozy winter evenings.
Budget-Friendly: Packed with tender beef and chunky vegetables, it’s an affordable way to feed your family while ensuring they’re satisfied.
Simple Steps: With easy-to-follow instructions, even beginners will feel confident in creating this nostalgic dish.
Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand to whip up a version of this easy beef stew recipe any day of the week.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Here’s what you’ll need for your cozy winter beef stew:
Beef Chuck Roast: The star of your stew, providing flavor and tenderness.
Veggies: Carrots and Yukon Gold potatoes add heartinessthese are true staples for a delicious, chunky beef stew with carrots.
Liquids: Beef broth and tomato paste create a deep, rich gravy that beautifully coats your ingredients.
Seasonings: Simple yet effective seasonings like Worcestershire sauce and fresh thyme elevate the flavors.
Tools: A large Dutch oven is perfect for this one-pot beef stew, allowing you to sear and stew all in one place!
How It Works Step-by-Step
Preheat your oven to 325°F. It’s time to set the stage for a beautiful beef stew!
Season the beef chunks with salt, pepper, and flour. This creates a lovely crust when you brown them.
Brown the beef in olive oil, which locks in flavor and gives your beef that wonderful sear.
Cook the onion, garlic, and carrots until they are lightly browned for a rich base of flavor.
Add in the Yukon Gold potatoes, broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves, scraping the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
Bring everything to a simmer before returning the beef to the pot. Cover and transfer to the oven to cook until tender.
After 2 to 2.5 hours, check your stew and give it a taste. Adjust seasoning as necessary and serve warm.
Troubleshooting Tips
Stew too thick? Simply add a bit more broth or water during the last half hour of cooking for that perfect consistency.
Meat not tender? If it’s still tough, don’t hesitate to let it cook a little longer. The low and slow approach is key!
Not enough flavor? Season incrementally. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or even a splash more Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This easy homemade beef stew makes a perfect main dish, but here are some delightful ways to serve it:
Pair with warm, crusty bread for dipping into that classic beef stew gravy.
Serve topped with fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful finish and aromatic touch.
A side salad can add a refreshing contrast to this cozy meal.
Storage Tips
Storage Method
Details
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Expert Says
Preparing an EASY HOMEMADE BEEF STEW allows the meat to tenderize beautifully as it slowly simmers. This gentle cooking method breaks down collagen in the beef, resulting in a rich, flavorful broth and melt-in-your-mouth meat. Pair with seasonal vegetables to enhance both nutrition and taste.
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The Journey to Easy Homemade Beef Stew
This easy homemade beef stew took me several attempts to get just right. I’ll never forget the first time I overcooked the vegetableslet’s just say they were more mush than magic! After many cozy kitchen sessions, I finally crafted a hearty recipe that warms the soul and gathers the family around the table.
FAQs ( Easy Homemade Beef Stew )
What cut of beef is best for stew?
For the best results, choose tougher cuts like chuck roast or brisket. These cuts become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, making them ideal for a rich, flavorful meal. Avoid lean cuts as they can turn dry and chewy.
Can I use a crockpot for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cooking this meal in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. Just brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the broth and spices, and let it simmer.
How long do I cook beef stew?
Generally, you should cook beef stew for 2-3 hours on the stove or 6-8 hours in a slow cooker on low. The longer the stew cooks, the more tender the beef will become, so patience is key for a truly hearty dish!
What vegetables should I add?
Classic choices include carrots, potatoes, and celery, but feel free to get creative! Parsnips or peas can add interesting textures and flavors. Just ensure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How do I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, simmering the stew uncovered for a while can also help it naturally thicken.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this easy homemade beef stew fills your kitchen with warmth and coziness. With just a few hours of simmering, you’re rewarded with tender beef, root vegetables, and that unmistakable comforting aromaperfect for chilly evenings!
For a twist, try adding some mushrooms or a handful of peas for a pop of color and flavor. And if you happen to have leftovers, pop them in the fridge for easy reheatingjust a splash of broth will bring them right back to life! A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen.
I’d love to see how your stew turns out! Did you grow up enjoying a dish like this? Share your photos or memories, and feel free to save or share this recipe with family. After all, nothing brings us together quite like a warm bowl of stew!
