Beef Stew

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There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of rich, hearty beef stew. With its tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, and flavorful broth, this dish warms the soul and fills the belly. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your house smell amazing as it simmers and only gets better as leftovers.

Perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday suppers, or when you simply crave comfort food, this beef stew recipe is a timeless classic. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s as practical as it is delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew

• Unmatched Comfort: It’s the ultimate cozy meal, packed with flavor and heartiness.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum payoff.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
• Customizable: Add mushrooms, swap in sweet potatoes, or spice it up—your call.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze for future dinners.

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What Kind of Beef Should I Use for Stew?

Opt for chuck roast or stewing beef—these cuts become wonderfully tender with long, slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can turn tough and dry. Marbled meat delivers the best melt-in-your-mouth texture after simmering.

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Ingredients for the Beef Stew

To create a deeply flavorful stew, each ingredient plays a key role:

• Beef chuck roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking and becomes incredibly tender.
• Potatoes: Use gold or russet potatoes for a starchy, hearty base.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color to the stew.
• Celery: Lends a subtle earthy flavor and balances the richness.
• Onion: Provides a savory foundation and depth.
• Garlic: A must-have for aromatic warmth.
• Tomato paste: Gives the broth a deeper color and rich umami base.
• Beef broth: The liquid gold that ties it all together.
• Bay leaves & thyme: Adds complexity with herbaceous undertones.
• Frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for freshness and color.
• Flour & oil: Used for browning the beef and thickening the stew.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning throughout.

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How To Make the Beef Stew

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat oil in a large pot. Toss beef in flour, then brown in batches. This step builds deep flavor for the stew.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened, then stir in garlic and tomato paste for a burst of umami.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in beef broth, scraping up the brown bits. Add potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and the seared beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 4: Let it Stew

Cover and simmer on low for about 2 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the broth is rich.

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir in frozen peas and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let cook another 5-10 minutes before serving.

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Serving and Storing Beef Stew

This stew makes enough to feed 6 hungry people comfortably, and the flavor only improves overnight. Serve it hot in a bowl with a slice of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

To store, let it cool and refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

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What to Serve With Beef Stew?

Crusty Bread

Sourdough or a warm baguette is ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Spoon your stew over creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.

Steamed Green Beans

Add a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the stew.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy salad adds texture and zing to your plate.

Buttery Biscuits

Flaky biscuits are perfect for sopping up every drop of stew.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized sprouts pair beautifully with the savory beef.

Cornbread

Sweet, crumbly cornbread contrasts wonderfully with the hearty stew.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

Bright, acidic bites cut through the richness for balance.

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Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If this cozy beef stew hits the spot, you’ll definitely want to try these hearty recipes too:

• Creamy Beef and Shells — A comforting one-pan delight
• Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta — A comforting and flavorful dish
• Garlic Butter Meatballs with Parmesan Penne
• Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

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Save This Pin For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you try adding mushrooms or a splash of red wine? Did you make it in a slow cooker or go stovetop all the way?

I love hearing how others make these dishes their own. Questions welcome, too—let’s cook smarter together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more cozy classics on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to meals!

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