Homemade beef stew is a savory, hearty dish that warms the soul. This easy recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With tender chunks of beef and vibrant vegetables, it’s a meal everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Ingredients needed for homemade beef stew
Essential ingredients
- Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 2-inch chunks, excess fat removed
- Kosher Salt or sea salt, to taste
- Ground Black Pepper
- Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour or Whole Wheat Flour
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
- Yellow Onion, chopped large
- Fresh Garlic Cloves, minced
- Carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks
- Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced into 2-inch pieces
- Beef Broth
- Tomato Paste
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Bay Leaves
- Fresh Thyme Leaves, for garnish
Optional ingredients for variation
- Parsnips, for a sweeter flavor
- Celery, to add crunch
- Red wine, for depth
How to make homemade beef stew
Preparing the ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. While it warms up, chop the carrots, potatoes, and onions. The vibrant colors of these vegetables will brighten your stew, making it look as good as it tastes.
Browning the beef
Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. Then, coat them lightly with flour. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, and brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes each. This step builds a deep, rich flavor.
Cooking the stew in the oven
Add the onions, garlic, and carrots to the browned beef, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are lightly browned. Then stir in the potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate all those delicious browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the beef to the pot.
Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 2-2.5 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf and taste the stew, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Alternative cooking methods (stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot)
If you prefer cooking on the stovetop, cover and simmer for 60-90 minutes on medium to low heat, checking for tenderness. You can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for added convenience. For the slow cooker, let it cook for 6-10 hours depending on the setting. If using an Instant Pot, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for stews.
Serving suggestions for beef stew
Best sides to complement beef stew
This hearty beef stew pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, cornbread, or crusty bread. Each bite of stew alongside warm bread is ultimate comfort food.
Garnishing ideas
To elevate your presentation, garnish your stew with fresh thyme leaves. This brightens the dish and adds a touch of freshness to each serving.
FAQs
What are common mistakes when making beef stew?
Some common mistakes include not browning the beef properly, using low-quality beef, and not seasoning the stew adequately at different stages.
What’s the secret to a good beef stew?
The secret lies in using quality beef, allowing for proper browning, and simmering low and slow to let flavors develop.
How to know if beef stew is ready?
Beef stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
How long does homemade beef stew stay good for?
Homemade beef stew can stay good for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Related Recipes to try
- Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
- Irish Vegetarian Stew
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Conclusion
Making homemade beef stew is a rewarding experience, filling your home with delightful aromas. For further inspiration, check out the warm flavors on Pinterest. This dish is not just comforting; it’s also an excellent way to bring family and friends together around the dinner table.
Homemade Beef Stew
Equipment
- Dutch oven
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 2-inch chunks, excess fat removed
- Kosher Salt or sea salt, to taste
- Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 cup Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour or Whole Wheat Flour
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped large
- 4 cloves Fresh Garlic Cloves, minced
- 3 Carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 4 Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced into 2-inch pieces
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Chop the carrots, potatoes, and onions.
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then coat with flour.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes each.
- Add the onions, garlic, and carrots to the browned beef, cooking for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir in the potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Bring to a simmer, then return the beef to the pot.
- Cover and transfer to the oven, cooking for 2-2.5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm.