The Best Homemade Beef Stew Recipe Slow Cooker
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade beef stew is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights, and it’s easier to make than you might think.
- Rich, savory flavors—tender beef, hearty veggies, and a thick broth come together for a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Simple ingredients—you probably have most of what you need already, making it a budget-friendly option.
- One-pot wonder—less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious creation with family or friends.
Recipe
Hearty and comforting, homemade beef stew is a classic dish perfect for chilly days. This recipe yields tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth that’s sure to warm you up.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits.
- Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, carrots, celery, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes:
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Substitute red wine with additional beef broth if preferred.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 6
Nutrition
Homemade beef stew is a hearty dish packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
What To Serve With It
When I make a big pot of beef stew, I always recommend pairing it with something that can soak up the rich broth, like fluffy dinner rolls or crusty bread. There’s nothing better than tearing off a piece of warm bread and dipping it right into the stew. It’s simple, comforting, and makes the meal feel extra special.
Fluffy Dinner Rolls
Though beef stew is already a comforting meal on its own, pairing it with fluffy dinner rolls takes it to a whole new level. I love making rolls from scratch, starting with yeast activation—watching it bubble up feels like magic. Then comes dough kneading, which is oddly satisfying, even therapeutic. The secret to fluffy rolls is letting the dough rise until it doubles in size, then baking them until they’re golden brown. Tearing one open to soak up that rich stew broth? Pure bliss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to eat stew without them.
Crusty Bread Options
If you’re looking for another great way to enjoy beef stew, crusty bread might just be your new best friend. I love pairing hearty stew with artisan loaves, their crispy crusts perfect for soaking up every last bit of flavor. Sourdough slices are another favorite of mine—their tangy taste adds a nice contrast to the richness of the stew. I usually toast them lightly for extra crunch, making each bite even more satisfying. Trust me, tearing off a piece of warm, crusty bread and dipping it into that savory broth is pure comfort food heaven. It’s a simple combo, but it’s always a hit!
