Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe because it’s just the kind of comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or want a make-ahead meal that gets better the next day, this stew ticks all the boxes: tender meat, rich broth, and simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how straightforward it was to get such deep flavor with a few basic steps. You’ll find that it’s perfect for cooler evenings or anytime you crave something nourishing and satisfying without any fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe plays a key role—whether it’s building layers of flavor or creating that stew’s classic thick and hearty texture. When shopping, I recommend grabbing good-quality beef chuck for tenderness and flavor that really shines after slow cooking.

• Beef Chuck Roast: Choose well-marbled pieces for juicy, tender meat after simmering.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing those beefy flavors.
• Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the stew; you can swap whole wheat if you prefer.
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables, adding subtle richness.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a natural sweetness that deepens as it cooks.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives that classic aromatic punch.
• Carrot: Chunks add sweetness and texture, balancing the savory broth.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These hold their shape well and soak up the stew’s flavor beautifully.
• Beef Broth: The stew’s flavorful base; homemade or store-bought works fine.
• Tomato Paste: Adds subtle acidity and richness for depth.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that amps up umami and savory notes.
• Bay Leaves: Infuse a delicate herbal aroma.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Used as garnish and for a fresh, earthy finish.

Variations

I love how customizable this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is—you can tweak it based on what you have or your family’s preferences. Feel free to experiment with adding your favorite root veggies or spices to make it truly your own.

• Spicy Kick: I once added a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and my family went crazy for the subtle heat.
• Extra Veggies: Adding chopped celery or mushrooms gives the stew more texture and flavor complexity.
• Different Meats: You can swap the chuck roast for bottom round or even pre-cut stew meat if you’re in a hurry.
• Gluten-free & Whole Wheat Options: I use gluten-free flour at home, but whole wheat works great and adds a nutty note.

How to Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Season and Coat the Beef

Start by patting your beef chunks dry—this helps with browning later. Then generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the beef chunks with gluten-free flour until they’re evenly coated. This step might seem small, but it really helps thicken the stew and gives the meat a lovely crust when browned.

Step 2: Brown the Beef in Batches

Heat your oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Don’t overcrowd the pot—brown the beef in batches until each piece has a deep golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per batch. You don’t need to cook it all the way through here; the goal is flavor and texture. Set the browned beef aside once done.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and carrot chunks. Stir them around for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. This quick sauté adds a sweet depth to your stew that’s absolutely worth the little extra step.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Now add the potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape all those tasty browned bits off the bottom—that’s where the magic is. Bring everything to a simmer, then nestle the browned beef back in.

Step 5: Slow Cook in the Oven

Cover your Dutch oven and transfer it to a preheated 325°F oven. Let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beef is so tender it practically falls apart. The slow oven heat lets all those flavors mingle and develop beautifully. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste—adjust salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish my stew with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves—that little touch brightens up the dish and gives a lovely fresh aroma. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a few chopped fresh parsley leaves for color and creaminess, especially when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This stew is a meal all on its own, but I like pairing it with crusty bread or maybe some buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that rich broth. A simple green salad or steamed green beans adds a fresh balance to the hearty stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stew in rustic bread bowls which make for a stunning and cozy presentation that guests love. You can also ladle it over creamy polenta or egg noodles for a different twist that feels indulgent and homey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover beef stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I find it tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to reheat gently to keep the beef tender.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it keeps well for 3 months. When you’re ready, defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep all the juicy flavors intact.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on low heat on the stove to avoid toughening the meat or overcooking the potatoes. Stir gently and add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick—this helps revive that perfect stew consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe as much as my family does. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with comforting aromas and brings everyone to the table with smiles. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying, and it may just become your go-to stew for chilly nights and family gatherings alike.

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