The Best Homemade Easy Beef Stew Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade beef stew is a comforting classic that’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with loved ones. You’ll love how simple it is to make, yet how rich and flavorful it turns out every time.
- The tender chunks of beef melt in your mouth, thanks to slow cooking that brings out the best flavors.
- Loaded with hearty veggies like carrots, potatoes, and celery, it’s a complete meal in one bowl.
- Its savory, aromatic broth warms you from the inside out, making it a dish you’ll crave again and again.
Recipe
Intro
This hearty beef stew is a classic comfort food, perfect for cold days. Tender chunks of beef simmer with vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Simple to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Return the beef to the pot. Stir in beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, until beef is tender.
- Stir in peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp flour with 2 tbsp water and stir into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 hours
Cuisine
American
Serving
6 servings
Nutrition
Beef stew is a hearty and nutritious dish, packed with protein and essential vitamins. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my beef stew with classic sides like mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, which soak up all that rich flavor. A warm, crusty bread is another must-have—it’s perfect for dipping and makes the meal feel even cozier. Let me share my favorite pairings to round out your bowl of stew.
Classic Side Dishes
When you’re serving up a hearty bowl of beef stew, you’ll want sides that complement its rich flavors without stealing the show. I love pairing mine with creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up the broth perfectly. A crisp green salad adds freshness, balancing the stew’s richness. Roasted carrots or buttery peas bring sweetness, while crusty bread (we’ll talk more about that later) is great for dipping. If you’re feeling fancy, try garlicky sautéed greens for a savory bite. These classics keep things simple but satisfying, letting the stew shine. Trust me, they’ll make your meal feel complete without extra fuss.
Bread Pairings
Nothing completes a bowl of beef stew like the perfect bread to soak up all that rich, savory broth. I always reach for crusty French bread or sourdough—they’re sturdy enough to hold up to dipping and add a nice chew. Dinner rolls or biscuits are softer options, and their buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with stew. Garlic bread adds a punch of flavor, while cornbread brings a touch of sweetness that balances the heartiness. For a fun twist, try naan or pita bread—they’re great for scooping up every last bite. Honestly, any bread works—just grab what you love and dig in!
