What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade beef stew recipe is perfect for cozy nights, packed with rich flavors and tender meat. You’ll love how simple it is to make, yet it tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
- Comfort in every bite – Warm, hearty, and filling, this stew feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Easy to customize – Toss in your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
- Leftovers taste even better – The flavors deepen overnight, so you’ll enjoy it even more the next day.
Recipe
Nothing beats a comforting bowl of homemade beef stew on a chilly day. This classic recipe combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece is seared on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Add carrots and potatoes to the pot. Cover and simmer for an additional 45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and beef is fall-apart tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Notes:
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
6 servings
Nutrition
Beef stew is a hearty dish packed with protein and essential nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade beef stew with side dish pairings that complement its rich flavor, like creamy mashed potatoes or steamed green beans. A warm, crusty bread option, such as a baguette or buttery biscuits, is perfect for soaking up every delicious drop. These additions make the meal feel complete and keep everyone at the table coming back for more.
Side Dish Pairings
When I’m serving up a hearty bowl of beef stew, I love to pair it with side dishes that complement its rich flavors without stealing the spotlight. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted carrots or parsnips add earthy sweetness. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the savory broth, and buttery cornbread brings a hint of sweetness. For something lighter, steamed green beans or sautéed spinach keep the meal balanced. Each side enhances the stew without overpowering it, making every bite satisfying. Experiment with these pairings to find your perfect match—comfort food at its best!
Bread Options
Nothing beats dipping a warm, crusty piece of bread into a rich beef stew—it’s like the ultimate comfort food hug! I always reach for a rustic loaf, like a baguette or sourdough, because they’re sturdy enough to soak up all that savory goodness. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll warm up some garlic bread for an extra punch of flavor. Cornbread is another favorite of mine; its slight sweetness balances the stew’s richness perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll even make quick drop biscuits—they’re soft, fluffy, and ready in no time. Trust me, the right bread can take your beef stew to the next level!
