Imagine walking into your kitchen on a chilly evening, the aroma of savory stew wrapping around you like a warm hug. That’s the magic of easy homemade beef stew. It’s trending everywhere, from TikTok to Pinterest, as folks rediscover cozy comfort food that warms the heart and the belly!
This classic dish combines tender beef, hearty potatoes, and vibrant carrots, creating a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s as simple as your grandma’s version but way faster, using just one pot for minimal cleanup. Full details in the blog!
Enjoy this easy homemade beef stew packed with tender meat and hearty vegetables. This easy beef stew recipe creates a comforting and flavorful tender beef vegetable stew perfect for cozy winter meals. It is simple to prepare and sure to warm your family.
2 tablespoons Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour or Whole Wheat for non-gluten
2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil
½ Yellow Onion Chopped Large
4 Garlic Cloves minced
1 Large Carrot or two small-medium cut into 2-inch chunks
2 Yukon Gold Potatoes diced into 2-inch pieces
2 Cups Beef Broth see note
¼ Cup Tomato Paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 Bay Leaves
2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme Leaves to garnish
Instructions
Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to preheat.
Season beef chunks evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, then coat with gluten-free flour by tossing thoroughly.
Heat olive or avocado oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat and sear the beef pieces until brown on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch, then remove meat and set aside.
In the same pot, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and carrot pieces; cook while stirring occasionally until they begin to brown lightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir in diced potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce scraping browned bits from the pot’s bottom.
Bring to a simmer, return browned beef to the pot, cover it securely, and transfer to the preheated oven.
Let the stew cook for 2 to 2 and a half hours or until beef is very tender, then remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving warm.
Notes
You may add 1-2 cups of water or more broth halfway through or 30 minutes before the dish is done if you want more broth on your stew
Types of meat you can use: Pre-Cut Stew Meat, bottom round or rump roast, Chuck Roast, or pot roast
You may add a bit of heat like 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Feel free to add some chopped celery
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:2 hours 30 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Calories:383kcal
Sugar:3g
Sodium:936mg
Fat:22g
Saturated Fat:8g
Carbohydrates:14g
Fiber:3g
Protein:32g
Cholesterol:104mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
What’s not to love about a bowl of warm, hearty stew? This easy homemade beef stew is more than just a meal; it’s like wrapping your taste buds in a cozy blanket! Its rich flavors combined with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes create a dish that everyone will gather around. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or those slow Sunday dinners when you want something fulfilling and comforting.
One Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time for family chats.
Budget-Friendly: Nourishing and delicious without breaking the bank.
Freezable Extra: Make a big batch and save some for later it’s even better reheated!
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s talk about the simple star players in this cozy recipe! Here’s what you’ll need to bring this heartwarming dish to life:
Beef Chuck Roast: The best cut for flavor and tenderness.
Vegetables: Carrots and Yukon Gold potatoes offer sweetness and heartiness.
Seasonings: A touch of Kosher salt, coarsely ground pepper, and fresh thyme balance out the dish beautifully.
As for tools, grab a trusty Dutch oven! It’s essential for browning the meat and simmering everything to perfection.
Simple Steps to Make It
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Season 2 pounds of beef chunks with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with flour.
In your Dutch oven, heat olive oil. Brown the beef in batches for about 3-4 minutes. Set it aside.
Add onion, garlic, and carrots to the same pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion is lightly browned.
Stir in potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Make sure to scrape up those flavorful bits on the bottom!
Return the beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven.
Bake for 2-2.5 hours or until the beef is tender. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings before serving!
Easy Customizations
One of the best parts of making your own beef stew is that you can make it your own! Here are some ideas to customize your cozy meal:
Add Some Heat: If you like a kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can spice things up.
Extra Veggies: Chop up some celery or throw in some peas if you want to boost the veggie count.
Different Cut of Meat: Don’t have chuck roast? Try using stew meat or even a pot roast instead!
How to Serve & Store
Serving this cozy winter beef stew is as simple as ladling it into a bowl, but a sprinkle of fresh thyme on top makes it feel extra special. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a hearty meal!
Storage Tips
Method
Time
Refrigerate (in an airtight container)
3-4 days
Freeze (in a freezer-safe container)
Up to 3 months
Reheat (on stovetop or microwave)
Until warmed through
So, gather your ingredients, fire up that stove (or oven!), and get ready to embrace the warmth and comfort of homemade beef stew. Your taste buds will thank you!
Expert Says
When making an easy homemade beef stew, the key is in the simmering process. Slow cooking allows the collagen in the tough cuts of beef to break down, creating a rich, hearty broth and tender meat. This technique not only enhances flavor but also improves the stew’s nutritional profile.
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The Road to My Easy Homemade Beef Stew
This easy homemade beef stew was a true labor of love. After countless attempts that ranged from overly salty to a strange, unappetizing gray, I finally found the magic combination of spices and simmering time. Now, every bowl is a warm hug filled with rich flavors, just like my grandmother’s on chilly nights.
FAQs ( Easy Homemade Beef Stew )
What cut of beef is best for stew?
For the best results, choose tougher cuts like chuck roast or brisket. These cuts become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, making them ideal for a rich, flavorful meal. Avoid lean cuts as they can turn dry and chewy.
Can I use a crockpot for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cooking this meal in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. Just brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the broth and spices, and let it simmer.
How long do I cook beef stew?
Generally, you should cook beef stew for 2-3 hours on the stove or 6-8 hours in a slow cooker on low. The longer the stew cooks, the more tender the beef will become, so patience is key for a truly hearty dish!
What vegetables should I add?
Classic choices include carrots, potatoes, and celery, but feel free to get creative! Parsnips or peas can add interesting textures and flavors. Just ensure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How do I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, simmering the stew uncovered for a while can also help it naturally thicken.
Conclusion
And there you have it! This easy homemade beef stew is a true delight, transforming your kitchen into a cozy haven. With just a few hours of gentle simmering, you’ll be greeted by rich aromas and tender bites that will make your family swoon. Trust me, the flavor payoff is well worth the wait!
Feel free to play around with flavorsadd a splash of red wine for depth or toss in some mushrooms for an earthy twist. If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), they store beautifully in the fridge or freeze like a dream. A little tip from my own kitchen: a quick microwave warm-up makes that stew taste even better the next day!
I’d love to hear your kitchen adventures! Did you grow up with a family stew recipe? Snap a photo and share your memories, or tag someone who would enjoy this recipe. Let’s keep the cozy vibes flowing and pass this comforting classic onto our loved ones. Happy cooking, friends!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
