The Best Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This beef stew recipe is perfect for cozy nights at home, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. You’ll love how simple it is to make, yet it tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. It’s packed with tender beef chunks and hearty veggies**, making every bite satisfying. The rich, savory broth is full of flavor, thanks to a blend of herbs and spices. It’s a one-pot wonder** that’s easy to clean up, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.

Recipe

This hearty homemade beef stew is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Made with tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cover and simmer for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
6. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes:

• For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold 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
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon

Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

6 servings

Nutrition

Beef stew is a hearty dish packed with essential nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber

400 | 15g | 35g | 30g | 5g

What To Serve With It

I love serving my beef stew with crusty bread—it’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that rich broth. If I’m craving something heartier, mashed potatoes make a creamy, comforting side that pairs so well with the tender beef. Either way, you can’t go wrong, and I’ve got a few tips to make both options even better.

Crusty Bread Pairs

When I’m simmering a pot of homemade beef stew, there’s nothing I love more than breaking off a chunk of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that rich, savory broth. I always grab a fresh artisan loaf from my favorite rustic bakery—its golden crust and soft, airy inside are perfect for scooping up tender meat and veggies. Sourdough or a hearty baguette works too, but there’s something special about tearing into a warm, freshly baked piece. It turns a cozy meal into a feast, making every bite feel like a hug on a chilly day.

Mashed Potatoes Complement

Though mashed potatoes might seem like a simple side, they’re a dream pairing for beef stew, adding creamy texture and comforting flavor to the mix. I love how the smoothest texture of mashed potatoes contrasts with the hearty chunks of stew, creating the richest comfort food combo. When I make them, I use butter and cream for extra richness, then sprinkle a pinch of salt to elevate the flavors. Spooning stew over a fluffy mound of mash feels indulgent, like wrapping myself in a cozy blanket. Trust me, it’s a match made in comfort-food heaven—simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious.