Classic Beef Stew Recipe

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There is something timeless and deeply comforting about a bowl of classic beef stew. With its rich broth, tender chunks of beef, and perfectly cooked vegetables, it embodies everything we crave on a chilly day. This dish isn’t just food—it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for slow weekends or midweek dinners that need a little extra coziness.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making enough for leftovers, beef stew is a satisfying option that brings everyone to the table. It fills your kitchen with savory aromas and transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary through slow simmering and hearty seasoning. It’s a nostalgic meal that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Stew Recipe

This beef stew stands out for its depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a stew that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The beef becomes fork-tender, the vegetables soak up the meaty broth, and the balance of herbs and wine brings it all together. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and even better the next day—a true make-ahead gem.

What Kind of Beef Is Best for Stew?

For a stew like this, chuck roast is your best friend. It has just the right amount of marbling to break down during a long cook and turn incredibly tender. Avoid leaner cuts like sirloin, which can dry out. If chuck isn’t available, brisket or round can work in a pinch, but always look for a cut that benefits from slow braising.

Ingredients for the Classic Beef Stew Recipe

To make a truly comforting and flavorful beef stew, you’ll want a blend of fresh vegetables, marbled meat, and pantry staples. These ingredients come together to form the rich and satisfying base that makes this stew a family favorite.

• Beef chuck roast
• Yellow onions
• Garlic cloves
• Carrots
• Celery
• Russet potatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Red wine
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Worcestershire sauce
• Flour
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Each ingredient serves a purpose: beef chuck roast provides hearty texture, onions and garlic form a flavor base, carrots and celery add sweetness and depth, and russet potatoes soak up the savory broth. Red wine and tomato paste intensify the richness, while herbs and Worcestershire sauce round out the taste. Flour is key for thickening, and olive oil helps achieve a perfect sear.

How To Make the Classic Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cut your chuck roast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches without crowding the pan. This step builds the flavorful foundation.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, reduce heat and add more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Builders

Stir in tomato paste and flour, coating the vegetables. Cook for a couple of minutes to develop the base. Deglaze with red wine, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer covered for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Final Taste and Serve

Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the stew sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle. Serve warm with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One of the most common mistakes when making beef stew is rushing the browning process. If you skip properly searing the meat, you miss out on a lot of flavor. Take the time to brown the beef in batches, allowing a deep crust to form on each piece.

Another misstep is not simmering long enough. Beef chuck needs time to break down and become tender, so don’t try to shortcut this with high heat—you’ll end up with chewy meat instead of melt-in-your-mouth bites. Lastly, be cautious with salt. It’s best to add more at the end after the flavors have developed fully.

Serving and Storing This Classic Beef Stew Recipe

This recipe comfortably serves 6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve it piping hot in bowls, maybe with a dollop of sour cream or chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. It also pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

To store, let the stew cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave to preserve the texture.

What to Serve With Classic Beef Stew?

Crusty Artisan Bread

Perfect for soaking up all that rich, savory broth.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

An ultra-comforting base that adds buttery richness to every bite.

Green Bean Almondine

Offers a light and crunchy contrast to the stew’s heartiness.

Simple Garden Salad

A refreshing side that balances the meal with crisp textures.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized edges add a delightful bitterness that complements the stew.

Buttery Egg Noodles

Serve underneath for a cozy pasta twist.

Garlic Parmesan Biscuits

Fluffy, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Boosts the umami and adds an earthy depth to each spoonful.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If this Classic Beef Stew recipe hits the spot, here are some other savory dinners you’ll want to try:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Delight is a dreamy, date-night favorite that comes together quickly.
• Giant Zucchini Parmesan offers a hearty vegetarian option that’s still loaded with flavor.
• One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate comfort food made simple.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts deliver a buttery, garlicky main dish that’s ready in no time.
• Shipwreck Dinner: A Hearty One-Pan Classic is perfect for weeknights when you need something filling and easy.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add peas or keep it traditional? Try it with mushrooms or swap the wine for more broth?

I love hearing how others put their own spin on it. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, one stew at a time.

Explore more cozy meals and seasonal comfort food on Nina Dishes on Pinterest, where I share what’s fresh from my kitchen every day: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Conclusion

This Classic Beef Stew recipe is everything you want in a hearty homemade meal: rich flavor, nourishing ingredients, and a little bit of cooking therapy. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving something warm and familiar, it’s a go-to dish that never fails to deliver.

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