Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that warms you right to your toes, I have just the thing for you. This Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s straightforward, wildly comforting, and full of tender meat and veggies simmered in a rich sauce you’ll want seconds of. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find this recipe reliable and delicious every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this homemade beef stew recipe lies in its honest, simple ingredients. I love how beef chuck gives the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness, while Yukon Gold potatoes and carrots bring texture and heartiness that you’ll appreciate bite after bite.

• Beef Chuck Roast: The ideal cut for stew because it becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking – trim the excess fat for the best result.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally without overpowering.
• Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick that warms every bite.
• Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the stew beautifully, but you can use whole wheat flour if gluten isn’t an issue.
• Olive Oil: Or avocado oil for browning the beef – gives a lovely caramelized flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed just right.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced for that fragrant, savory backbone.
• Carrot: Chopped into chunks for that classic stew veggie texture.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Firm enough to hold shape but tender when cooked – perfect for stew.
• Beef Broth: The heart of the liquid base – use a good-quality broth or homemade if you can.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami and that slightly tangy depth everyone loves in a stew.
• Bay Leaves: Infuse herbal aromatics that elevate the whole dish.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Just before serving for a fresh, fragrant finish.

Variations

I love inviting you to make this Homemade Beef Stew Recipe your own—feel free to swap or add your favorite veggies or seasonings. Every family has their must-have twist, and finding yours is part of the fun!

• Slow Cooker Version: I’ve tried this recipe in a slow cooker when I was busy—just brown the beef, add everything, and cook on low for 7-8 hours. It’s just as tender and packed with flavor.
• Vegetable Swaps: Try adding parsnips, turnips, or pearl onions if you want to change up the texture and flavor profile. My family goes crazy for adding a handful of green beans at the end for some fresh crunch.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Using gluten-free flour keeps this stew accessible for everyone without sacrificing the lovely thick sauce.
• Spicy Kick: If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a subtle warmth that’ll keep everyone guessing.

How to Make Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Season and Flour the Beef Chunks

Start by cutting your beef chuck into roughly 2-inch pieces and removing any large chunks of fat. This helps the stew stay rich but not greasy. Season the meat generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—don’t be shy here because this seasoning forms the base flavor. Then sprinkle the gluten-free flour over the beef and toss until each chunk is coated evenly. This step locks in juices and helps your stew thicken up eventually.

Step 2: Brown the Beef for Big Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and brown the beef chunks in batches so they sear instead of steam. Patience is key here—about 3 to 4 minutes per batch until every side has a golden crust. This is where the flavor amplifies so much; do not skip. Set browned beef onto a plate while you prep the veggies.

Step 3: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Carrots

Using the same pot, toss in your chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, and carrot chunks. Stir occasionally and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant. This base layer adds a natural sweetness and depth to the stew’s sauce, so be sure not to rush through this step.

Step 4: Add Potatoes, Broth, and Seasonings

Next, add your Yukon Gold potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, freshly picked thyme leaves, and Worcestershire sauce right into the pot. Give everything a good stir, scraping those flavorful browned bits off the bottom—this is where so much of your stew’s deliciousness develops. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer before adding the beef back in.

Step 5: Slow Cook in the Oven

Cover your Dutch oven with a lid or foil and transfer it to a preheated 325°F oven. Let it cook low and slow for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is meltingly tender and the flavors have fully come together. Trust me, this waiting time is well worth it—you’re rewarded with an ultra-rich stew that tastes like it has simmered for days.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, then taste your stew and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper really wakes up the flavors. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving to add a bright herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.

How to Serve Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh thyme right before serving because it adds a beautiful earthy aroma and bright pop that balances the stew’s richness perfectly. Sometimes I add a few chopped parsley leaves or cracked black pepper on top for some visual contrast and extra zing.

Side Dishes

We usually serve this stew with crusty bread or flaky biscuits to soak up all that luscious sauce. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta also pair amazingly if you want to add extra comfort-factor. A simple green salad on the side adds a refreshing crunch and lightens the whole meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners, I’ve served this stew inside hollowed-out bread bowls—everyone loves digging in, and it adds a fun rustic touch. Another favorite is ladling it over buttery egg noodles or wild rice pilaf to turn it into a hearty, elegant dish perfect for Sunday dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and it keeps wonderfully for 3 to 4 days. By the second day, the flavors actually deepen, making it taste even better. Just give it a quick stir and reheat gently.

Freezing

This Homemade Beef Stew Recipe freezes like a dream. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it keeps for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a touch of broth or water if it looks too thick. I avoid microwaving because it can heat unevenly, but it’s fine in a pinch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Homemade Beef Stew Recipe brings comfort and joy to the table, especially on cooler days when you want something hearty to hug your soul. It’s one of those recipes I keep returning to again and again, tweaking slightly but always turning out delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll see just how easy it is to create a truly satisfying, homemade meal that your whole family will rave about. Happy cooking, friend!

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