Hearty Beef Stew Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food You’ll Crave All Winter

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Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty beef stew recipe brings tender chunks of beef, soft vegetables, and a rich savory broth together in one warm bowl. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for chilly nights. With simple ingredients and slow cooking, it’s a recipe you’ll crave all winter.

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Why You’ll Love This Hearty Beef Stew

Comforting: Warm, filling, and deeply flavorful.
Easy: Uses basic pantry staples.
Versatile: Works in stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
Family-friendly: A dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Yields 6 servings

2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
3 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 medium potatoes, cubed
3 tbsp tomato paste

4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
1 cup red wine (or extra broth)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp flour (for thickening)

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra black pepper

💡 Tip: Swap red wine with Guinness for a richer flavor or add mushrooms for extra depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat beef dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown the beef in batches, about 4–5 minutes per side. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add remaining oil to the pot. Cook onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1 minute more.

Step 3: Build the Base

Add wine (if using) and scrape up brown bits from the pot. Let simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and browned beef.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should be tender.

Step 5: Add Potatoes

Stir in potatoes. Cook for another 30 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6: Thicken and Serve

Remove bay leaves. Mix flour with a few tablespoons of broth in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir into stew. Simmer until thickened. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Slow Cooker Method

Brown beef as above.
Add beef, vegetables, broth, wine, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
Add slurry near the end to thicken.

Instant Pot Method

Brown beef on Sauté mode. Remove.
Sauté onions, carrots, and celery. Add garlic and tomato paste. Deglaze with wine.
Add beef back with broth, potatoes, and spices.
Pressure cook on High for 35 minutes. Natural release 10 minutes.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Beef Stew

Use the right cut: Beef chuck has enough fat for tender results.
Brown well: Deep browning gives maximum flavor.
Don’t rush: Low and slow makes beef melt-in-your-mouth.
Deglaze: Scrape up browned bits — they’re flavor gold.
Rest time: Stew tastes even better the next day.

Variations to Try

Guinness Beef Stew: Replace wine with Guinness for rich depth.
Herb Boost: Add rosemary and bay leaves for earthy aroma.
Mushroom Stew: Stir in mushrooms during the last 30 minutes.
Gluten-Free: Skip flour and thicken with cornstarch slurry.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty beef stew with:

Crusty bread or buttery rolls
Mashed potatoes for an extra cozy meal
A crisp green salad for balance

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in airtight container.
Freeze: Up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbs: 28 g
Fiber: 4 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about making the perfect beef stew.

What cut of beef is best for stew?

Beef chuck is ideal because it has the right balance of fat and connective tissue. It becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Brisket and short ribs also work well.
Can I make beef stew without wine?

Yes. Replace red wine with extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic version. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds depth of flavor if desired.
How do I thicken my beef stew?

Mix 1–2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew and simmer until thickened. You can also mash a few potatoes.
Can I freeze beef stew?

Yes. Beef stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth if it thickens too much.
Why does stew taste better the next day?

Resting allows flavors to meld and deepen overnight. Store it in the fridge and reheat slowly for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This hearty beef stew recipe is the perfect comfort food for winter nights. With tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s a recipe that will warm your table and your heart.

Prefer something with bold and savory flavors? Try our Black Pepper Chicken recipe — it’s peppery, satisfying, and just as comforting as a classic beef stew.