Imagine the smell of savory beef, simmering slowly on the stove. It wraps around you like a warm hug. That’s what you get with this BEST EVER BEEF STEW. It’s been trending all over TikTok and Pinterest, and for good reason this dish feels like a cozy blanket on a chilly night.
This ultimate comfort food features tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth that all meld together beautifully. It’s like your grandma’s classic, but even simpler to whip up on a busy weeknight. Full details in the blog!
This Best Ever Beef Stew is a hearty tender beef vegetable stew with gluten free beef stew root vegetables. It makes an easy one pot family favorite perfect for cozy dinners or a classic guinness beef stew slow cooked with potatoes and carrots.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into chunks
4 yellow potatoes peeled and chopped
4 carrots peeled and chopped
1 onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Toss the beef chunks in flour mixed with salt and black pepper to coat well.
Warm the olive oil in a large pot and sear the beef pieces in batches until browned all around, then remove and set aside.
Cook the diced onion in the same pot until it becomes clear, add garlic and continue cooking for another minute.
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes while stirring, then pour a small amount of beef broth to deglaze the pot.
Return the browned beef to the pot along with potatoes, carrots, the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.
Bring everything to a boil, then cover and lower the heat to simmer gently for 2 to 2 and a half hours.
Take out the bay leaves and taste to add more salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
For even deeper flavor, brown the beef in small batches to avoid steaming
Stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld
To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
Cook Time:2 hours 50 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1.5 cups
Calories:480
Sugar:4g
Sodium:690mg
Fat:24g
Saturated Fat:9g
Unsaturated Fat:13g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:32g
Fiber:4g
Protein:35g
Cholesterol:95mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
There’s just something about a pot of steaming Best Ever Beef Stew that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This hearty meal brings everyone to the table, whether you’re nestled on the couch catching up after a long day or enjoying a lazy Sunday with family. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.
With tender chunks of beef swimming in a rich broth, surrounded by golden potatoes and sweet carrots, each bowl tells a story of home-cooked goodness. It’s a dish that feels familiar, yet every family has their own little twist. You’ll find that this easy one-pot meal is perfect for bonding with your loved ones, sharing laughs, and indulging in heartwarming conversation.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this stew burst with flavor:
Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the show! It’s well-marbled, juicy, and breaks down beautifully during cooking.
Yellow Potatoes: They add creaminess and soak up all that delicious broth.
Carrots: Not only do they bring sweetness, but they also add a lovely color to the dish.
Onions and Garlic: These aromatics provide the perfect flavor base.
Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth to the broth.
Tip: When selecting your veggies, choose fresh, firm potatoes and vibrant carrots. They really make a difference in both taste and presentation!
Simple Steps to Make It
This Best Ever Beef Stew is as easy as pie. Here’s how to whip it up:
Coat the two pounds of diced beef with flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and brown the beef in batches until it’s golden on all sides. Set aside.
In the same pot, sauté one diced onion until it’s translucent, then add three minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute.
Stir in two tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for two minutes. This helps deepen the flavors.
Deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth to lift all those tasty bits off the bottom.
Return the beef, followed by four chopped potatoes, four chopped carrots, the remaining broth, Worcestershire sauce, two bay leaves, and thyme.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours.
Activity
Time
Browning the Beef
10-15 minutes
Sautéing Onions & Garlic
2-3 minutes
Simmering Stew
2-2.5 hours
Easy Customizations
This recipe is flexible and welcomes your creative flair. Consider these simple tweaks:
Vegetable Variations: Add your favorite root veggies like parsnips or turnips for added character.
Herb Swaps: Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can bring a delightful twist.
Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a heartier consistency, mix in a bit more flour or a cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking.
How to Serve & Store
Once your stew is bubbling and inviting, it’s time to dig in! Serve it with your favorite crusty bread for dipping or some fluffy biscuits on the side. The flavors will continue to deepen overnight, making leftovers an absolute treat!
For storing, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave. You might find that it tastes even better the next day!
Expert Says
For the BEST EVER BEEF STEW, slow cooking at low temperatures allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a tender texture and richer flavor. Adding aromatics like garlic and thyme early in the process enhances the overall depth of the dish, making every bite unforgettable.
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The Quest for the Best Ever Beef Stew
After multiple attempts and a few kitchen mishaps, I finally crafted my version of the best ever beef stew. I learned the hard way that not all cuts of meat are created equal and that patience is keythe aroma wafting through the house is worth every second spent simmering.
FAQs ( Best Ever Beef Stew )
What is the secret to tender beef in stew?
The key to tender beef is to cook it low and slow. This allows the meat to break down and become tender. Using a chuck roast is ideal, and browning the meat before adding it to the stew enhances the flavor and texture.
Can you make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this meal actually tastes better the next day! You can prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently on the stove for the best results.
What vegetables are best for beef stew?
Russet potatoes, carrots, and celery are classic choices that hold up well during cooking. You can also add peas or parsnips for added flavor and variety. Just chop them into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Can I freeze leftover beef stew?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.
What type of beef is best for stew?
A chuck roast is the best option for stew as it provides a good balance of fat and meat, making it tender and flavorful after slow cooking. You can also use round or brisket, but chuck is often preferred for its depth of flavor.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this Best Ever Beef Stew fills your home with enticing aromas and creates a cozy atmosphere as it simmers. In just a couple of hours, you’ll have a rich, hearty meal that brings everyone to the table. The tender beef and vibrant veggies are sure to warm your heart and tummy, making it a family favorite for years to come.
Feel free to play around with the recipe! Add your favorite root vegetables or toss in some fresh herbs for an extra flavor punch. A little tip I learned from my aunt’s kitchen: the stew tastes even better the next day, so don’t forget those leftovers! Just store the cooled stew in airtight containers for easy reheating.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you grow up with a stew like this one? Snap a photo of your creation and share your memories in the comments below! Remember to save or share this recipe with your loved ones it’s the perfect way to add warmth and joy to their table, too.
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.
