This hearty beef stew is packed with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in a rich, savory broth. It’s an easy comfort food that’s perfect for a cozy fall or winter dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
- Tender, flavorful beef cooked low and slow
- Hearty vegetables make it a complete meal
- Rich beef broth creates a deeply savory sauce
- Simple ingredients make it easy to prepare
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Hearty Beef Stew
- Brown the beef: Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the onion to the same pot and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Build the base: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir until combined.
- Add the liquid: Slowly pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Simmer the stew: Return the beef to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for about 1½ hours.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the carrots and potatoes. Cover and continue simmering for 30–40 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Finish: Remove the bay leaves and stir in the frozen peas. Cook for 3–5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, biscuits, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew
- Use beef chuck for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Brown the beef in batches so it develops a good crust.
- Keep the stew at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil.
- Cut the potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Final Thoughts
This hearty beef stew is rich, filling, and packed with classic comfort-food flavors. Tender beef, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a savory broth make it an ideal cozy dinner for chilly days.
