Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something soul-warming that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, this Easy Homemade Beef Stew is just what you need. Each bite is infused with the tenderness of perfectly seared beef, the natural sweetness of carrots, and the earthy, comforting richness of Yukon Gold potatoes, all simmered together in a deeply savory broth. Whether you’re gathering around the table on a chilly evening or simply craving classic comfort food, this stew will deliver, again and again. Let’s dive into a recipe that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Homemade Beef Stew comes from its humble yet essential ingredients. There’s nothing complicated here—just hearty, everyday staples working together to create unmatched depth of flavor and texture in every spoonful.

• Beef Chuck Roast (2 pounds): This cut is ideal for stews; it turns melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Gives a balanced seasoning and beautifully enhances all the other flavors.
• Coarsely Ground Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and subtle spice to the dish.
• Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour or Whole Wheat Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps the beef brown nicely and slightly thickens the sauce.
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for browning the meat and vegetables; pick your favorite!
• Yellow Onion, Chopped (½): Onions bring sweetness and a subtle depth to the stew’s base.
• Garlic Cloves, Minced (4): For that irresistible aroma and savory punch.
• Large Carrot (1, or two small-medium): Carrots lend a pop of color and an earthy-sweet note.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes (2): Creamy, buttery potatoes that hold their shape and soak up all the flavors.
• Beef Broth (2 cups): Builds the savory backbone for the stew.
• Tomato Paste (¼ cup): Brings richness and a subtle tang to the broth.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): For that “little something special”—it deepens the umami flavors.
• Bay Leaf (1): Infuses the stew with a subtle herbal note. Don’t forget to fish it out before serving!
• Fresh Thyme Leaves (2 teaspoons): Add a bright, fresh pop at the very end.

How to Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew

Step 1: Season and Flour the Beef

Begin by tossing your beef chuck roast chunks with kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper, coating all sides well. Sprinkle the flour over the seasoned meat and gently toss it again. Not only does this step ensure each bite is wonderfully flavorful, but that touch of flour will also help our stew broth gain the perfect texture later on.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per batch. This caramelization is essential—it gives the Easy Homemade Beef Stew those irresistible, deeply savory notes. Don’t rush this step! Transfer the browned pieces to a plate as you go.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same Dutch oven (no need to clean it!), add your chopped onion, minced garlic, and carrot pieces. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened a bit and started picking up some of that wonderful, beefy flavor from the pot.

Step 4: Build the Stew Base

Time to add the potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and fresh thyme leaves. Scrape up all those golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—those are culinary gold! Give everything a good stir so the ingredients mingle well, promising even flavor throughout your Easy Homemade Beef Stew.

Step 5: Simmer and Slow Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Return the browned beef (and any accumulated juices) to the pot. Cover, and transfer your Dutch oven into a preheated 325°F oven. Let it cook, undisturbed, for 2 to 2.5 hours—just enough time for the beef to become fall-apart tender and for the flavors to meld to perfection. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Beef Stew

Garnishes

Finishing your stew with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves is an absolute must for that vibrant color and lively taste. If you’re feeling fancy, a handful of chopped fresh parsley or even a little lemon zest can bring extra brightness to the bowl.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with Easy Homemade Beef Stew than a slice of crusty bread (for dunking, of course!) or a simple green salad on the side. A scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or even fluffy buttered rice can also soak up the rich sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your stew in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic feast, or ladle it over cheesy polenta for a fun twist. Individual ramekins topped with a round of puff pastry can turn this classic into a show-stopping entrée for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors might even deepen overnight!

Freezing

Easy Homemade Beef Stew is a make-ahead superstar. Cool it completely, spoon it into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for another bowl of comfort.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the stew into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it’s thickened up a bit too much, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Homemade Beef Stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Easy Homemade Beef Stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize your stew with vegetables like celery, parsnips, or peas. Just add firmer veggies at the beginning, and more delicate ones (like peas) a few minutes before serving.

Can I cook this stew on the stovetop or in a slow cooker?

Definitely! If you’re skipping the oven, just simmer covered on the stovetop over low heat for 2-2.5 hours. For a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Which cuts of beef work best for Easy Homemade Beef Stew?

Chuck roast is the classic choice, but bottom round, rump roast, or even pre-cut stew meat will all work. The key is a cut with enough marbling to stay tender through long, slow cooking.

Can I add wine to the stew?

Absolutely! Replace 1/2 cup of the beef broth with red wine for an extra layer of richness. Just add it along with the other liquids and let it simmer away.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Beef Stew is more than just a recipe—it’s a ticket to cozy evenings and smiles around the dinner table. If you’re craving something hearty, nourishing, and guaranteed to win over even picky eaters, this is the stew for you. Give it a try and let it become your new family favorite!

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