What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade beef stew recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly nights or lazy weekends. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, even for beginner cooks. You’ll love how the tender beef melts in your mouth, paired with hearty veggies in a rich, savory broth. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy. Best of all, it’s customizable—throw in your favorite ingredients and make it your own!
Recipe
Warm, hearty, and packed with rich flavors, this homemade beef stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Perfectly tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and a savory broth come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s explore the details.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in the pot in batches. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add beef back to the pot, along with beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Notes:
– For a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 hours
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
6 servings
Nutrition
1 serving of homemade beef stew provides essential nutrients.
Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade beef stew with a crusty bread—it’s perfect for soaking up every bit of that rich broth. If I’m in the mood for something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the stew. Both options add a little extra something to the meal, making it feel complete.
Crusty Bread Pairing
Nothing beats dipping a slice of crusty bread into a hearty bowl of beef stew—it’s practically its best friend. I love a rustic loaf with a crackling crust and soft center, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich broth. A baguette works too, especially if you toast it lightly for extra crunch. Sometimes, I’ll rub a garlic clove on warm bread for a subtle kick. It’s simple, but it elevates the whole meal. Trust me, skipping the bread means missing half the joy. Just tear, dip, and savor—it’s that easy.
Mashed Potatoes Option
While crusty bread is a classic for beef stew, sometimes I crave something creamier to go alongside it. That’s why I often opt for mashed potatoes—they’re rich, smooth, and soak up the stew’s flavorful gravy perfectly. I like to whip my mashed potatoes with butter, cream, and a pinch of salt for extra indulgence. The contrast between the hearty stew and the creamy potatoes feels comforting, like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s easy to make both dishes ahead of time if I’m planning a cozy dinner. Trust me, it’s a combination worth trying!
