Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe with you! There’s just something incredibly comforting about digging into a bowl full of tender, slow-cooked beef and veggies in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend dinner to impress your crew, this stew always hits the spot and feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

What I love most about this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is how versatile it is but still so easy to put together. You don’t need fancy ingredients, and with a little patience during the simmering, you’ll be rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked veggies. Trust me, once you try it, this stew will become a go-to comfort food in your kitchen.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe was chosen to build that rich, layered flavor and hearty texture that makes it so memorable. When you shop, look for fresh vegetables and quality stew meat, because that makes all the difference.

• Stew Meat: Chuck or round roast cut into chunks is perfect for slow cooking and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• All Purpose Flour: Coats the meat to encourage browning and help thicken the stew later on.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth of garlic flavor without overpowering.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the savory base taste alongside fresh onions.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
• Vegetable Oil: High smoke point oil perfect for browning meat evenly.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and richness once sautéed.
• Celery: Brings a fresh, aromatic crunch that softens nicely with cooking.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives a bright punch and aroma.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates umami flavors and helps thicken the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Forms the stew’s flavorful liquid base; make sure it’s rich and low sodium if possible.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, savory boost that rounds out the flavor.
• Herbs De Provence: Gives a subtle herbal note, adding layers of fragrance and taste.
• Carrots: Sweetness and texture contrast nicely with the tender meat.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and buttery potatoes that hold together well during simmering.
• Bay Leaves: Infuse the broth with gentle herbal aroma; just remember to remove before serving!
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the stew just before serving for a luscious finish.
• Cold Water: Helps dissolve cornstarch evenly to prevent lumps.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch up this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe depending on the season and what’s in my pantry. Feel free to add your own favorite veggies or extras to make it truly yours!

• Add Peas: I sometimes throw in frozen peas in the last 10 minutes for a pop of green and sweetness—it brightens the stew beautifully.
• Swap Potatoes: If I want a creamier texture, sweet potatoes or red potatoes are fantastic alternatives.
• Spice It Up: For a little heat, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during simmering gives a nice kick.
• Make It Gluten-Free: I swap out all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free blend for those sensitive to gluten.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Brown the Meat

This part is key for flavor. I start by tossing the stew meat in a mix of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper inside a large Ziploc bag to coat it evenly. Then, heat your oil in a big pot and brown the meat in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan or the meat will steam instead of sear. You don’t need to cook it through now, just get that beautiful brown crust. It’s this browning that creates the deep, savory notes in the final stew.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Build the Base

After removing the browned meat, I add diced onions and celery to the pot and cook them until soft—around 7 minutes. Then, in goes the minced garlic for just a minute—don’t let it burn! Stir in the tomato paste next, letting it cook for a few minutes to caramelize and mellow out its acidity before pouring in the beef broth. This step is a game-changer for that rich stew flavor. Don’t forget to scrape the pan bottom to grab up all those browned bits stuck there.

Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow

Return the browned meat to the pot along with Worcestershire sauce and herbs de Provence. Let the stew bubble gently on low heat for about 2 hours. I usually set a timer because you’ll want to give it time but avoid boiling. This slow simmer is what tenderizes the meat and really lets all those flavors blend beautifully.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Finish Cooking

After the meat has started meltingly tenderizing, toss in the sliced carrots, potatoes, and bay leaves. Cook for another hour until the veggies are soft but still holding shape. At this point, remove the bay leaves and season the stew to taste with salt and pepper. It’s almost ready!

Step 5: Thicken (Or Not!)

If you like your stew thick and hearty, mix cornstarch with some cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the simmering stew for a few more minutes. If you prefer a thinner stew, you can happily skip this step and just enjoy all that lovely broth.

How to Serve Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top of the stew right before serving. It adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the whole bowl. Sometimes a few grinds of fresh black pepper or a dollop of sour cream are perfect too for extra richness.

Side Dishes

Hearty Beef Stew is so filling it can stand alone, but I often serve it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. A simple green salad on the side also balances the meal nicely if you want something fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve the stew in individual mini Dutch ovens or oven-safe bowls. It makes each serving feel special and keeps the stew warm at the table. You can also top with a sprinkle of shaved cheddar or a drizzle of good olive oil for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover stew cool to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day—win!

Freezing

Hearty Beef Stew freezes like a dream. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it lasts for 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove—no fuss, just comfort ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm leftover stew slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help all the flavors meld again. If it got a bit too thick in storage, I add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe really feels like a warm, tasty tradition in my kitchen, the kind of meal that brings people together around the table. I hope when you try it, it becomes a favorite in your home too. Remember, the best stew is the one made your way—so have fun with it, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

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