This Homemade Beef Stew is a classic, hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners. Tender chunks of beef simmer slowly with fresh vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth until melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and ideal for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup red wine (optional)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Directions

1. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown beef in batches. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.

3. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

4. Return beef to pot, pour in beef broth and red wine, and add thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.

5. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes, simmer for another 30-40 minutes until vegetables are soft.

6. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: Moderate to high

• Protein: High (from beef)

• Fat: Moderate

• Carbohydrates: Moderate (from vegetables)

• Fiber: Good (from vegetables)

The Backbone: Tender Beef Chuck

Beef chuck is the star ingredient of any traditional stew. Its marbling of fat and connective tissue breaks down during long, slow cooking, transforming into succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of meat. This cut is ideal because it becomes tender without drying out, absorbing the rich flavors of the broth and herbs.

Browning the beef before simmering is a crucial step. This process creates caramelized surfaces through the Maillard reaction, adding a complex, savory depth to the stew that cannot be achieved through boiling alone. Properly searing the beef in batches prevents overcrowding, ensuring each piece browns evenly.

Aromatic Vegetables Build Flavor

Onions and garlic form the aromatic base, gently sautéed to release their sweetness and fragrance. This foundational step sets the stage for the complex flavors to come.

Carrots, celery, and potatoes contribute heartiness and texture. Carrots add natural sweetness, celery provides subtle earthiness, and potatoes lend creaminess and bulk to the dish. The vegetables soften during the simmering process, soaking up the flavorful broth, and offering a comforting contrast to the tender meat.

Adding frozen peas at the end injects a burst of color and a touch of fresh sweetness, brightening the overall dish.

A Rich, Flavorful Broth

The broth is where all the ingredients’ flavors meld together. Using beef broth as the base ensures a rich and meaty foundation. The addition of red wine (optional but highly recommended) adds acidity and complexity, helping to tenderize the beef and deepen the overall flavor.

Tomato paste enriches the stew with a subtle sweetness and umami, balancing the wine’s acidity and the herbs’ earthiness. Dried thyme and bay leaves bring aromatic layers of herbal warmth, creating a well-rounded and inviting broth.

Simmering the stew covered for an extended period allows the flavors to intensify and the beef to become tender, while vegetables absorb the savory juices.

Nutritional Benefits

Beef stew offers a balanced profile of macronutrients, making it both filling and nutritious. The beef provides a high-quality source of protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair. The moderate fat content, including healthy fats from the cooking oil and beef, contributes to satiety and flavor.

The assortment of vegetables offers dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting digestion and overall health. Potatoes supply carbohydrates for energy, while carrots and celery add antioxidants and nutrients that promote immune function.

This makes beef stew a wholesome, one-pot meal that nourishes the body while satisfying comfort food cravings.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Family Meals

One of the reasons beef stew is so beloved is its practicality. It can be prepared in advance, with flavors often improving after a day or two as ingredients meld further. This makes it ideal for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy ready-made, hearty meals throughout the week.

Its large batch nature suits family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes and ages. Leftovers can be easily reheated without compromising taste or texture, making it a convenient, go-to comfort food.

Serving Suggestions

Beef stew is delicious served on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery noodles to soak up the flavorful broth. For a lighter accompaniment, a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables provides contrast and freshness.

Garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley adds a bright note and a pop of color, enhancing the presentation and flavor.

Tips for a Perfect Beef Stew

Using quality beef chuck with good marbling is key for tenderness and flavor. Patting the beef dry before browning helps achieve a better sear.

Avoid rushing the cooking process; low and slow simmering is essential for tender meat and flavorful broth. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning as needed.

For thicker stew, cooking uncovered for the last portion allows the broth to reduce and concentrate. Adding a slurry of flour or cornstarch can also help thicken if desired.

Variations and Personalization

Beef stew is highly adaptable. Additional vegetables such as mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips can be incorporated for varied textures and flavors.

Herbs can be changed or enhanced with rosemary, marjoram, or bay leaves depending on preference. Some cooks add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra umami.

For a heartier meal, beans or barley can be added to the stew, transforming it into a robust, filling dish.

Conclusion

Homemade Beef Stew is a classic, hearty dish that epitomizes comfort food at its best. With tender chunks of beef, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth infused with wine and herbs, this stew is perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Its balance of nutrition, taste, and practicality makes it a versatile and satisfying meal. Whether prepared for a special occasion, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep, beef stew offers warmth, nourishment, and the kind of home-cooked goodness that never goes out of style.

Simple to make yet deeply rewarding, this stew invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy a dish that is as wholesome as it is comforting.