Nothing wraps you in warmth quite like a bowl of Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your belly with rich, savory satisfaction. With deeply browned beef, tender mushrooms, and a thick, flavor-packed broth, this stew is pure comfort food gold.

This dish is ideal for chilly evenings or when you simply want to cozy up with something classic yet incredibly delicious. Each spoonful is layered with textures and flavors that feel slow-cooked and homemade — and that’s because it is. Let it simmer, let it deepen, and let it remind you why stew is a timeless favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

Deep, rich flavor from slow-simmered beef and veggies.
Easy to make ahead and even better the next day.
One-pot dish for less mess and easier cleanup.
Freezer-friendly for future cozy meals.
Pure comfort, perfect for fall and winter cravings.

What Kind of Mushrooms Should I Use?

Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are the ideal choice for this stew. They hold their shape well during cooking and offer a more robust, earthy flavor than white mushrooms. If you want to get fancy, mix in some shiitake or portobello for an extra layer of depth.

Ingredients for the Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

To make this stew irresistible, we’re leaning on quality, hearty ingredients that deliver full-bodied flavor:

Beef chuck roast: This cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow simmering.
Cremini mushrooms: They add a meaty texture and earthy tone.
Carrots: For subtle sweetness and color contrast.
Celery: Adds aromatic depth and balance.
Onions: Essential for the base flavor.
Garlic: A non-negotiable for that savory richness.
Tomato paste: Concentrated umami that boosts the stew’s body.
Beef broth: The heart of the stew, carrying all the flavor.
Red wine: Adds richness and complexity.
Bay leaves & fresh thyme: For a deep herbaceous backbone.
Salt & pepper: To bring all the flavors together.
Olive oil & butter: Used for browning and flavor layering.

How To Make the Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Pat the beef dry, season generously, and sear it in olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven until all sides are deeply browned. Set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the same pot. Cook until softened and golden, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Garlic

Stir in tomato paste and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom well. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce.

Step 5: Build the Stew

Return the beef to the pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

This stew feeds 6 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. Serve it hot in deep bowls with a chunk of crusty bread for dipping, or over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a heartier meal.

Leftovers keep beautifully! Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

What to Serve With Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

Crusty Artisan Bread

Nothing beats tearing into a crusty loaf to soak up all that savory broth.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A luscious bed for the stew to settle into, elevating every bite.

Buttery Egg Noodles

Tossed with a touch of butter and herbs, they’re the perfect partner.

Garlic Green Beans

Bright and crunchy with a punch of garlic — a great contrast to the richness.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Nutty, caramelized flavor that holds up to the bold stew.

Kale Caesar Salad

Adds a fresh, crisp bite that lightens up the meal.

Red Wine

Pair the stew with the same red wine you used to cook — synergy in every sip.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If this Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew hit the spot, don’t miss these other delicious dinner-ready dishes from NoraNosh:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use red wine or beef broth only? Did you try adding pearl onions or parsnips?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore more cozy, nourishing dinners on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and keep the comfort coming!

Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

Author: Nora
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Warm your soul and fill your home with cozy aromas with this Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew — a deeply comforting dish made with fork-tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, savory broth. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for cold nights or when you need a delicious one-pot meal that feeds a crowd. With classic ingredients and robust flavor, it’s one of those food ideas you’ll return to over and over again. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, a freezer-friendly prep, or a satisfying meal to impress guests, this stew checks every box. It’s a must-add to your easy recipe collection.

Instructions

1. Pat the beef dry, season it with salt and pepper, and sear it in olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and lightly browned, scraping up bits from the bottom.

3. Stir in tomato paste and garlic; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly caramelized.

4. Pour in the red wine, deglaze the pot, and let simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.

5. Return beef to the pot, add broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender.

6. Discard bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and let the stew rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added depth, try including a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few dried porcini mushrooms.

This stew thickens as it cools — feel free to add a bit more broth when reheating.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop Simmer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 460
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: beef stew, mushroom stew, cozy dinner, easy recipe, one pot meal