Introduction
When the weather turns chilly or when you simply need a comforting meal to warm your soul, few dishes are as satisfying as a hearty bowl of Easy Homemade Beef Stew. This classic dish, rich in flavor, tender beef, and hearty vegetables, is a favorite for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Beef stew is the epitome of comfort food: warm, savory, and filling, with the added benefit of being easy to make, even for novice cooks.
What makes beef stew such a great choice for any occasion is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, and it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables or cut-up meat. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for soaking up with crusty bread or spooning over mashed potatoes.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make Easy Homemade Beef Stew from scratch, covering everything from ingredients to cooking methods. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, you’ll find this recipe simple, rewarding, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This stew comes together quickly with minimal prep work, and once it’s simmering, you can relax while the flavors develop.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth, this dish is satisfying and perfect for colder days.
- One-Pot Meal: No need for multiple pots and pans. This recipe comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful: The slow cooking process helps the flavors deepen and develop, leaving you with a bowl full of savory goodness.
- Customizable: You can easily add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in the fridge, making this a versatile meal.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Servings: This recipe serves 6 hearty portions.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: The best cuts of meat for stew are those that become tender after slow cooking. Use beef chuck or round, which are both flavorful and budget-friendly.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used to brown the beef, creating a rich flavor base for the stew.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Onion adds depth to the broth and is a key aromatic in this recipe.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic imparts a savory flavor and enhances the overall aroma of the stew.
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces: Carrots bring sweetness and color to the stew, balancing the savory flavors.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery adds a subtle crunch and mild flavor that complements the other vegetables.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: Potatoes provide heartiness and absorb the flavors of the broth, making the stew more filling.
- 4 cups beef broth: Beef broth serves as the base of the stew, contributing a rich, savory flavor. For extra depth, you can use low-sodium broth or homemade stock.
- 1 cup red wine: Red wine enhances the flavor of the stew, adding complexity and richness. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with more beef broth.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a touch of acidity and richness to balance the flavors.
- 2 bay leaves: These provide a subtle earthy aroma and enhance the overall flavor of the stew.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme is a classic herb that pairs beautifully with beef and vegetables, infusing the stew with an earthy, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary adds a fragrant, slightly piney note that complements the richness of the beef.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Season the stew to your liking for optimal flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can use cornstarch to create a slightly thicker broth.
Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor when sprinkled on top of the finished stew.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: For a final burst of seasoning and flavor.
How to Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew: Step-by-Step
1st Step: Brown the Beef
- Prepare the Beef: Begin by cutting the beef stew meat into 1-inch cubes, if not already pre-cut. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this will help them brown better.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches (do not overcrowd the pan). Brown the meat on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. This process is crucial for developing the rich, deep flavor of the stew.
- Remove the Beef: Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Repeat the process with the remaining beef.
2nd Step: Sauté the Aromatics
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Once the onions and garlic are softened, pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This will add extra flavor to the stew. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
3rd Step: Build the Stew
- Add the Vegetables: Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir to combine everything.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, making sure the vegetables and meat are fully covered. Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the stew to a simmer.
- Simmer the Stew: Once the stew is simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The meat will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
4th Step: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
- Make a Slurry: If you prefer a thicker stew, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
- Add the Slurry: Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This will thicken the broth and give it a velvety texture.
5th Step: Final Seasoning and Garnish
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve your Easy Homemade Beef Stew hot, alongside crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
Tips for Perfect Beef Stew
- Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush the browning step. This is where much of the flavor comes from, so make sure to brown the beef in batches to ensure it gets a nice crust on all sides.
- Use a Good Pot: A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for making stew because it distributes heat evenly and helps maintain a consistent simmer. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, any large pot with a tight-fitting lid will work.
- Let It Simmer Slowly: Patience is key when making beef stew. The longer the stew simmers, the more tender the beef will become, and the flavors will deepen. If you have time, let it simmer for an extra 30 minutes for even better results.
- Add Wine for Extra Depth: If you choose to use wine, red wine adds an extra layer of complexity and richness to the broth. Don’t worry about the alcohol; it cooks off during the simmering process, leaving behind a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on your preference or what you have available. Turnips, parsnips, or green beans are great alternatives to carrots and celery.
- Make Ahead: Beef stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to develop. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations and Customization
- Add More Vegetables: To make the stew more hearty, consider adding peas, corn, or parsnips for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy Beef Stew: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the stew for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: While thyme and rosemary are traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like parsley, oregano, or bay leaves for different flavor profiles.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the broth and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
Easy Homemade Beef Stew: A Hearty and Comforting Meal
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Description
This classic beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the vegetables soak up the savory flavors. Perfect for chilly days or when you want a cozy, homemade meal that warms both the body and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: The best cuts of meat for stew are those that become tender after slow cooking. Use beef chuck or round, which are both flavorful and budget-friendly.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used to brown the beef, creating a rich flavor base for the stew.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Onion adds depth to the broth and is a key aromatic in this recipe.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic imparts a savory flavor and enhances the overall aroma of the stew.
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces: Carrots bring sweetness and color to the stew, balancing the savory flavors.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery adds a subtle crunch and mild flavor that complements the other vegetables.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: Potatoes provide heartiness and absorb the flavors of the broth, making the stew more filling.
- 4 cups beef broth: Beef broth serves as the base of the stew, contributing a rich, savory flavor. For extra depth, you can use low-sodium broth or homemade stock.
- 1 cup red wine: Red wine enhances the flavor of the stew, adding complexity and richness. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with more beef broth.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a touch of acidity and richness to balance the flavors.
- 2 bay leaves: These provide a subtle earthy aroma and enhance the overall flavor of the stew.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme is a classic herb that pairs beautifully with beef and vegetables, infusing the stew with an earthy, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary adds a fragrant, slightly piney note that complements the richness of the beef.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Season the stew to your liking for optimal flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can use cornstarch to create a slightly thicker broth.
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor when sprinkled on top of the finished stew.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: For a final burst of seasoning and flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Prepare the Beef: Begin by cutting the beef stew meat into 1-inch cubes, if not already pre-cut. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this will help them brown better.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches (do not overcrowd the pan). Brown the meat on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. This process is crucial for developing the rich, deep flavor of the stew.
- Remove the Beef: Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Repeat the process with the remaining beef.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Once the onions and garlic are softened, pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This will add extra flavor to the stew. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
Step 3: Build the Stew
- Add the Vegetables: Return the browned beef to the pot, along with the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir to combine everything.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, making sure the vegetables and meat are fully covered. Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the stew to a simmer.
- Simmer the Stew: Once the stew is simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The meat will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
- Make a Slurry: If you prefer a thicker stew, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
- Add the Slurry: Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This will thicken the broth and give it a velvety texture.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve your Easy Homemade Beef Stew hot, alongside crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 22g
Conclusion
Easy Homemade Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings. With its rich flavors, tender beef, and hearty vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy even the most discerning appetites. The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity; it’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this beef stew will become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, start simmering, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that comes with a delicious homemade stew!
