There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, savory beef stew to warm you up from the inside out. This Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew is a cozy classic, loaded with tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs all simmered slowly to create a soul-satisfying meal. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a cold night.

What sets this stew apart is its depth of flavor from a slow build of onions, garlic, and tomato paste, deglazed with red wine and cooked low and slow until the beef melts in your mouth. Paired with a thick, velvety broth and spoonfuls of hearty vegetables, this stew is the kind you want to serve with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to catch every last drop.

What Cut of Beef Is Best for Stew?

Chuck roast is my go-to choice for stew. It has the perfect marbling and connective tissue that break down beautifully over long cooking, making the beef fall-apart tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck, brisket or stewing beef also work well.

Ingredients for the Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup dry red wine
4 cups beef broth
2 cups baby potatoes, halved
3 large carrots, sliced
3 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make the Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches to avoid overcrowding. Set the browned beef aside.

Step 2: Build the Base

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add diced onion. Sauté until translucent, then add garlic and tomato paste. Stir for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Thicken

Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir well to coat. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow

Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and more salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft, remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Serving and Storing This Cozy Stew

Ladle the stew into bowls and serve with crusty sourdough or over buttery mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead.

To store, let the stew cool completely. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this stew gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount and mix with a little water before adding).

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

What if I don’t want to use wine?

You can substitute the red wine with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth.

Can I use other vegetables?

Yes! Parsnips, turnips, or even peas can be added for variation. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it okay to make this ahead?

Definitely. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for meal prep or entertaining.

Want More Dinner Ideas with Big Flavor?

If you love the slow-cooked richness of this stew, you might also enjoy:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Delight for a creamy weeknight hit.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for quick comfort food.
Shipwreck Dinner: A Hearty One-Pan Classic with beef and potatoes.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole if you’re craving creamy and cozy.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for steakhouse flavors in one pan.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when comfort food cravings hit: Follow Nina Dishes on Pinterest

I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you toss in extra mushrooms? Try it with mashed cauliflower instead? Share your twist in the comments or tag me on Pinterest!

Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A deeply comforting stew packed with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, hearty vegetables, and a rich red wine broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals.