Hearty Classic Beef Stew Recipe

Updated on: December 17, 2025

Close-up of a steaming bowl of hearty beef stew, ideal for a classic beef stew recipe.

Step into the comforting embrace of a classic beef stew recipe, a dish that warms you from the inside out. This timeless meal features tender chunks of beef, robust vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy, making it an essential addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Our easy-to-follow guide ensures you create a deeply flavorful beef stew that brings joy and satisfaction to your table. Prepare for rich flavors and tender beef in every single bite.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew Recipe

You will adore this beef stew recipe for its incredible taste and simplicity. It is the ultimate comfort food, deeply satisfying and perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something hearty. This recipe is simple to follow, promising impressive results even for beginners. It transforms humble ingredients into a wholesome and fulfilling family meal. Plus, it is wonderfully make-ahead friendly, with flavors that deepen beautifully overnight.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to create this delicious, comforting stew. Fresh, quality components make all the difference in flavor and texture.

2 pounds stewing beef (trimmed and cubed)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil (more as needed)
1 onion (chopped)
6 cups beef broth
½ cup red wine (optional)
1 pound potatoes (peeled and cubed)
4 carrots (cut into 1 inch pieces)
4 ribs celery (cut into 1 inch pieces)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or as needed)
2 tablespoons water (or as needed)
¾ cup peas

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of these ingredients for your homemade beef stew. For stewing beef, opt for chuck roast or top round; both become incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Feel free to swap or add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips alongside your carrots and potatoes. While red wine adds depth, you can omit it and use more beef broth for an equally delicious result. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or arrowroot powder instead of wheat flour. You can use either fresh or dried rosemary, just remember that fresh herbs are more potent.

Equipment

Making a delicious beef stew recipe requires just a few basic kitchen tools. You likely already have most of these on hand.

A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is essential for browning and simmering.
Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula helps with stirring and scraping.
A sharp knife and cutting board are necessary for preparing vegetables and beef.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your hearty beef stew. Each stage builds flavor, leading to a perfectly tender and rich dish.

Prep Beef & Season: Start by trimming any excess fat from your stewing beef, then cut it into uniform 1.5-inch cubes. Pat the beef very dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the beef cubes in this flour mixture until each piece is lightly coated. Shake off any excess flour before browning.
Brown Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the floured beef cubes in small batches. Do not overcrowd the pot; this allows the beef to brown properly rather than steam. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned on all surfaces. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside in a bowl. Repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same pot, adding a touch more olive oil if the pot seems dry. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This step builds a foundational flavor layer for your stew.
Deglaze Pan: Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if you are using it). Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will dissolve into the liquid, enriching the entire stew. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
Combine & Simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the peeled and cubed potatoes, cut carrots, sliced celery, tomato paste, and dried rosemary. Ensure all ingredients are submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then cover the pot with a lid. Allow the beef stew to simmer gently for 1 hour, or until the beef is very tender when pierced with a fork. This could take up to 90 minutes, depending on the cut of beef.
Thicken Stew: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Uncover the simmering stew. While stirring constantly, gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot. Continue stirring until the stew thickens to your desired consistency. You may not need to use all of the slurry; add it slowly and check the thickness as you go. If you desire an even thicker stew, you can add a little extra slurry.
Finish & Serve: Stir in the frozen peas. Let the stew simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, just until the peas are heated through and vibrant green. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Your delicious homemade beef stew recipe is now ready to serve.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving a perfect beef stew is simple with a few key techniques. When browning your beef, avoid overcrowding the pot; sear in batches to get that beautiful, deep color which adds immense flavor. Always scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan after sautéing aromatics; this deglazing step incorporates rich flavor into your sauce. Ensure your stew maintains a proper, gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, for the most tender beef. If your beef is tough, simply continue simmering for another 20-30 minutes, checking periodically. For a thin stew, gradually add more cornstarch slurry until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember to season your stew throughout the cooking process, tasting and adjusting as you go.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This classic beef stew is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with several side dishes. Serve generous portions with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of the rich gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes also make an excellent accompaniment, adding another layer of comfort. For a fresh finish, garnish individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.

Storage

Leftover beef stew is a true delight, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.

Variations

Easily customize your beef stew recipe to suit your taste. Add different root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness. Experiment with various herbs; fresh thyme or a bay leaf can enhance the savory notes. For a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of chili flakes during the simmering stage. Sliced mushrooms added with the vegetables will also bring an earthy, umami depth to the stew.

Nutrition Information

This estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods. It is an approximation for one serving of this beef stew.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	850mg
Total Carbs	35g
Dietary Fiber	6g
Total Sugars	5g
Protein	30g

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary.

FAQ

What is the best beef cut for stew? Chuck roast is ideal for stew; its marbling makes it incredibly tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Beef round or rump roast also work well for a delicious stew.
How to make stew meat tender? Ensure your beef simmers gently for at least 60-90 minutes, or even longer, until it easily pulls apart. Low and slow cooking is key for tender beef in any beef stew preparation.
Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté aromatics first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Why is my beef stew watery? Your stew might be watery if it didn’t simmer long enough to reduce, or if you didn’t add enough thickening agent. Gradually whisk in a cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I freeze beef stew? Absolutely! Beef stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before portioning into airtight, freezer-safe containers.
How long does beef stew last? When stored properly in an airtight container, beef stew lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Creating a homemade beef stew recipe is a truly rewarding experience, filling your home with wonderful aromas and your belly with comforting flavors. This hearty dish, with its tender beef and rich gravy, proves that simple ingredients can produce extraordinary results. We hope you enjoy preparing and sharing this classic meal with your loved ones. Give this delicious beef stew a try tonight, and please share your thoughts or variations in the comments below!