There’s a reason beef stew has remained a beloved cold-weather classic for centuries—it’s hearty, forgiving, and rewards your patience with melt-in-your-mouth results. This easy beef stew recipe skips complicated steps while delivering rich, slow-cooked flavour. It’s the ultimate comfort meal with tender chunks of beef, an intensely aromatic broth, and rustic vegetables. Whether you’re just learning to cook or are a seasoned home chef, this dish brings warmth to every bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef stew is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal—easy to make, full of rich, slow-simmered flavour, and perfect for chilly days. It’s both budget-friendly and deeply satisfying with simple pantry ingredients like beef chuck, carrots, and potatoes. You’ll love how tender the beef becomes after simmering, how the vegetables soak up the savoury broth, and how little hands-on effort it requires. It’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and ideal for family dinners or make-ahead meal prep—proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Essential Ingredients & Tools for the Best Beef Stew
A great beef stew starts with quality ingredients and the right equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools
- Dutch Oven or a heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution.
- Wooden Spoon For deglazing without scratching the pot.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes.
- 3 tbsp olive oil, for searing and flavour
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 3 large tomatoes, pureed
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Cilantro, for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Tender Beef Stew
Follow these simple steps for tender beef stew every time:
- Prep the Beef
- Pat dry with paper towels for the best sear.
- Sear for Flavour
- Heat oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches (3–4 mins per side) until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Build the Base
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and garlic; sauté for 5 minutes. Add pureed tomato and cook until it thickens (about 5 mins). Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Veggies & Broth
- Stir in carrots and potatoes, then pour in the broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer to Perfection
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
- Final Touches
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and let the stew rest uncovered for 10 minutes to deepen the flavours. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Best Beef Stew Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 2-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups broth
- 3 large tomatoes pureed
- 3 medium potatoes (russet), cubed
- 4 medium carrots chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cilantro to garnish
Instructions
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels (crucial for a good sear).
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until deeply browned (3–4 minutes per side).
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft (5 minutes).
- Stir in pureed tomato, cooking until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper
- Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot, then pour in the broth, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving—this allows flavours to meld.
Notes
Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe
Nutrition
Tips for Perfectly Tender Beef Stew
- Don’t skip searing: It locks in flavour and adds depth.
- Simmer, don’t boil: A gentle simmer keeps beef from toughening.
- Mix the veggies: Try parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms in the last 15 minutes.
- Want it thicker? Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in during the final 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with:
- Crusty bread or garlic rolls
- Steamed rice or mashed potatoes
- A fresh green salad on the side
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Keep it in an airtight container for four days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat: Heat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
Make It Your Own
- Add peas, corn, or green beans for more veggies.
- You can substitute sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a sweeter flavour.
- A splash of red wine & Worcestershire sauce adds deeper umami.
Conclusion
This beef stew is the timeless comfort food every home cook should master. It uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand and provides incredible depth of flavour. Whether feeding a crowd or storing leftovers for later, it’s the ultimate make-ahead meal. Cosy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Also, try
- Flavorful Chicken Wings Stew
- Best Liver Stew
- The Best HomeMade Beef Stroganoff
- How to Make The Best Pot Roast Recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What cut of beef is best for stew?
Chuck roast is perfect because its marbling breaks down while cooking, leading to tender and flavorful meat.
2. Can I make beef stew in advance?
Yes! Beef stew tastes even better the next day. You can keep it in the refrigerator for four days or freeze it for three months.
3. How do I thicken beef stew naturally?
Let it simmer to reduce the liquid or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) in the last 10 minutes.
4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
First, sear the beef, transfer everything to a slow oven and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
5. What vegetables go well with beef stew?
Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, peas, mushrooms, and green beans all work well and hold up during slow cooking.
