This Best Beef Stew recipe is an easy, classic comfort food meal that cooks to perfection on the stove top, in the oven, or in the crock pot or slow cooker!
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
We don’t know about you, but for us there’s almost no meal more warm and comforting than a heaping bowl of our favourite BEST Beef Stew and a slice of crusty bread on a cold, wintery day. It’s truly comfort food at its finest – simple, basic ingredients coming together with lots of love to create a super flavourful dish? Yes please!
Beef Stew is a classic comfort food recipe made with chunks of juicy beef, fresh vegetables, and an array of herbs and spices, all simmered in a rich, savoury sauce. It’s hearty and filling and makes a delicious meal – especially during cold weather.
Beef stew isn’t just comfort food; it’s basically a hug in a bowl. It’s warm and cozy, it’s healthy and wholesome, and it’s the best cold-weather meal there is. Beef stew is about nostalgia, home, and family, and it’s a satisfyingly delicious recipe that feeds both the body and the soul. This Beef Stew recipe has been in our family for years and years, and we hope it will bring your family much comfort too!
Most comfort food recipes are straightforward, and this Beef Stew recipe is definitely that! It calls for everyday ingredients and simple methods familiar to any home cook.
Comfort foods are often hearty and substantial, providing the feeling of fullness or ‘comfort’ in a very literal sense. This Beef Stew recipe is one of the most filling and satisfying meals we make on a regular basis, making it a truly comfort food meal.
The best comfort foods are adaptable. They’re often just as good—if not better—the next day, and they can be easily frozen and reheated without losing their essential comforting qualities. This Beef Stew recipe is all that and more – It’s easy to use whatever veggies you have on hand to make it, and it reheats beautifully with an even better flavour than on the day it’s made! It’s a huge hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for food that brings people together.
It just doesn’t get any more basic than this Best Ever One Pot Beef Stew – juicy pieces of fresh beef browned to perfection, and delicious aromatic vegetables in the best gravy-like sauce known to humankind.
At first glance, homemade Beef Stew might seem like it takes a whole lot of effort and even more skill. But let us assure you, with a few simple tips and tricks, a perfectly delicious beef stew is well within your reach, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Trust us – it’ll knock your socks off!
Let’s be honest, a stew is only as good as the beef you put into it. Our first tip for making homemade beef stew is to choose the right beef. Look for meat that’s marbled with fat; this ensures that your beef will be tender and flavourful rather than tough and dry.
- Chuck: Chuck meat, from the front part of the cow, is an excellent choice due to its good fat content and robust flavour. It’s also budget-friendly! Chuck is our favourite cut of beef to use for stew.
- Round: Cut from the rear leg, round meat is leaner but still makes for a tasty stew, especially if you’re watching your fat intake.
- Brisket: Brisket is a luxurious option, usually reserved for slow-cooked barbecue, but it makes a delicious stew. If you use brisket in your stew, be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time to achieve that fall-apart tenderness.
- Marbling: Look for cuts with good marbling—that’s the white flecks of fat within the meat, which promises a juicy stew and tender beef.
- Size Matters: Cut your beef into uniform pieces for even cooking. We recommend cutting the beef into 1 or 1 1/2 inch cubes.
Vegetables bring colour, texture, and nutrition to your stew, but most of all the bring flavour! We suggest adding hearty vegetables that can withstand long cooking times, such as potatoes, carrots, and onions. Feel free to get creative and toss in some mushrooms or parsnips for added depth. We also recommend adding in some frozen green beans or even frozen peas toward the end of the cooking process.
A well-flavoured stew is a thing of beauty. We love to add thyme and paprika for a simple, savoury flavour. Adding some tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine will elevate your stew from good to absolutely gourmet.
Beef stock offers a richer, more robust flavour than beef broth, thanks to the bones used in its preparation. Broth, made from meat and sometimes vegetables, is generally lighter. Either will work, but if you want a stew that packs a punch, go for a high-quality stock.
Turning this Beef Stew recipe into a crock pot beef stew recipe is super simple! Just follow the steps below to make this Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe in your slow cooker:
- Brown the beef on the stovetop as directed in the recipe. This is a key step to building flavour in the stew. Adding raw beef to your slow cooker won’t result in as flavourful an end result, so don’t skip this step.
- Saute the veggies on the stovetop. Sautéing the veggies creates a lot of flavour that will impact the end result of the stew. Don’t skip this step!
- Add the wine, tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, and cook until almost all the liquid evaporates.
- Switch to your crock pot or slow cooker. Add the remainder of the ingredients to the slow cooker, adding the beef and veggie mixture into the slow cooker too. Do your best to scrape all the flavourful bits off the bottom of the pot and add them into the slow cooker. If necessary, add a splash of the beef stock into the bot to help you scrape out all the flavourful bits off the bottom of the pot.
- Set the crock pot to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir every hour or two.
Making this Crock Pot Beef Stew on a busy weekday is a dinner idea that’s sure to simplify your meal routine. Serve this Crock Pot Beef Stew with your favourite crusty bread!
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If you’re one of those people who loves making homemade soups and stews in the fall and winter seasons, then one of the best investments you can ever make for your kitchen is a high-quality cast iron Dutch Oven pot. We love this beauty from Le Creuset (affiliate link) and use it at least weekly throughout the year for soups, stews, sauces, curries, and even for baking bread (if you want our Dutch Oven Crusty Bread recipe, find it HERE!).
A pot like this one is definitely a financial investment, but considering how much we use it, and considering its high quality, it’s definitely a worthy investment. We’ve also used similar cast iron pots from other brands, like THIS ONE from KitchenAid and THIS ONE from Lodge Cast Iron (both affiliate links) if you’re looking for something a little less expensive but still high quality.
You’ll also need this basic kitchen equipment to make beef stew at home:
- a chopping board
- a chef’s knife
- a wooden spoon or utensil
- measuring cups and spoons
- liquid measuring cups
- a garlic press (optional)
To make beef stew, you’ll need these ingredients (paid links):
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds stewing beef (we recommend chuck or round)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3 cups low sodium beef stock
- 5 medium white potatoes, quartered
- 1 cup frozen green beans (optional)
- fresh parsley for garnish
Here are some recipes we recommend to serve alongside this beef stew recipe:
- Easy Homemade Classic Buttermilk Buns
- Quick Dinner Rolls – Ready in one hour!
- Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Easy Homemade French Bread
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Easy Whole Wheat Bread
- Olive Garden Salad
- Pomegranate Salad with Kale and Quinoa
- Healthier Low Fat Cornbread
Time needed: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Follow these steps for the perfect beef stew!
- Brown the beef.
Season the beef with salt and pepper and add to the hot pot, just so the beef covers the bottom of the pot (Don’t overcrowd as this will prevent the browning process. Brown the beef in batches if necessary.). Add the flour slowly as the beef browns, and remove the beef to a plate once browned.
- Saute the veggies.
Add the thyme, smoked paprika, onions, garlic, carrots and celery to the pot. Stir the vegetables around to catch all the drippings left in the pot from the meat and add the beef back into the pot after the onions are almost translucent.
- Add the flavour.
Add the red wine, the Worcestershire Sauce, and the tomato paste. Give everything a good stir and let the liquid cook down (it’s important to let the wine cook off for a good 4-5 minutes before adding the other liquid).
- Add the potatoes and liquid.
Once the wine liquid has reduced for several minutes and it has thickened, add the tomato sauce, the beef stock and the potatoes. Give everything a good stir, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot. Make sure the potatoes are nicely nestled into the liquid and add the lid to the pot.
- Bake.
Place the pot in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to 3 and a half hours. Every hour or so, lift the lid and give everything a quick stir.
- Add the green beans.
Add the frozen green beans, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t get soggy.
What is the best cut of beef for stew?
The best cut of beef for stew is often a matter of personal preference, but generally, chuck roast is considered the best choice. It’s well-marbled, which means it becomes tender and flavourful when slow-cooked.
How long should I cook beef stew?
Beef stew takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to cook on the stovetop and the oven, and crock pot beef stew takes up to 6 hours in the slow cooker.
Can you overcook beef stew?
Yes, it’s possible to overcook beef stew, particularly if you’re using leaner cuts of beef or cooking on high heat. Overcooking can make the meat tough and chewy. Always check for tenderness to avoid this issue, and cook your stew on low heat for a long period of time.
How do I thicken beef stew?
You can thicken beef stew by adding a little bit of flour.
Can I put raw meat in the slow cooker for beef stew?
Yes, you can put raw meat in a slow cooker, we recommend browning the meat first for added flavour.
Can I use water instead of beef stock?
While you can use water, beef stock will provide a richer, more robust flavour.
Do you have to peel potatoes for beef stew?
Peeling potatoes is optional. Some prefer the rustic feel of unpeeled potatoes, while others like the smoother texture of peeled ones. Both work well.
What vegetables go well in beef stew?
The classic vegetables in beef stew are carrots, potatoes, and onions. However, you can also include other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips, as well as mushrooms, celery, and even peas or green beans for added colour and nutrients.
Can beef stew be frozen?
Yes, beef stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do you reheat beef stew?
You can reheat beef stew on the stovetop over medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also reheat it in a microwave-safe dish, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
Is beef stew gluten free?
Beef stew can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent and ensuring that your beef broth is gluten-free.
What is the secret to good stew?
The secret to the best stew is cooking it with low heat for a long period of time. This gives time for the flavours to develop.
We hope you love this comfort food recipe as much as we do! Let us know in the comments below, what’s YOUR favourite classic comfort food recipe to make at home? We’d love to know!
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Best Beef Stew
Recipe: Equipment
Recipe: Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds stewing beef we recommend chuck or round
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 3 medium carrots chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3 cups low sodium beef stock
- 5 medium white potatoes quartered
- 1 cup frozen green beans optional
- fresh parsley for garnish
Recipe: Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
- Place a large Dutch Oven pot over medium-high heat and warm the olive oil in it.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper and add to the hot pot, just so the beef covers the bottom of the pot (Don’t overcrowd as this will prevent the browning process. Brown the beef in batches if necessary.).
- Brown the beef pieces on each side just until they’re beautifully caramelized, sprinkling the flour over the beef as it browns, about 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Remove the beef from the pot to a plate after it has browned (don’t worry about cooking it through at this point!) and add the thyme, smoked paprika, onions, garlic, carrots and celery to the pot.
- Stir the vegetables around to catch all the drippings left in the pot from the meat and add the beef back into the pot after the onions are almost translucent.
- Add the red wine, the Worcestershire Sauce, and the tomato paste. Give everything a good stir and let the liquid cook down (it's important to let the wine cook off for a good 4-5 minutes before adding the other liquid).
- Once the wine liquid has reduced for several minutes and it has thickened, add the tomato sauce, the beef stock and the potatoes.
- Give everything a good stir, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot.
- Make sure the potatoes are nicely nestled into the liquid and add the lid to the pot. Place the pot in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for about 3 hours to 3 and a half hours.
- Every hour or so, lift the lid of the pot and give everything a quick stir.
- If you’d like to add the frozen green beans (they’re totally optional and I only add them about 50% of the times I make this dish), stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t get soggy.
- You’ll know the stew is done after the allotted time has passed and the beef pieces fall apart when you touch them with a fork.
- Serve in deep bowls with a piece of crusty bread for dipping, and a sprinkling of fresh parsley for garnish (if desired).
Recipe: Notes
Stove Top Instructions
To make this stew on the stove-top, simply let it simmer on low after adding the potatoes until the potatoes are soft. This method will cause the potatoes to break down a little bit more and the sauce to thicken faster. If you prefer a stew that’s not so thick, add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of beef stock if you’re cooking it on the stove top.Slow Cooker Instructions
Follow the recipe as directed until the beef and veggies have been browned and the wine, Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste have been added. Add the remaining ingredients and the beef and veggie mixture to the slow cooker and stir well. Cook in the crock pot or slow cooker for 2-3 hour on high or 4-6 hours on low.Storage Instructions
Store this stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheating Instructions
Reheat this stew in the microwave, or in a pot on the stove until heated through.Freezer Instructions
Freeze this stew in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours and then reheat in a pot on the stove. This recipe was inspired by an earlier version of Jamie Oliver’s Beef Stew and an old recipe from my grandma’s recipe box.Recipe: Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
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This is the only beef stew I ever make now! The best ever!
We’re so glad to hear this!
Are there any special ingredients or cooking techniques you recommend for a top-notch beef stew?
Well, this is a top-notch beef stew, so…just follow the recipe!
I made this for the first time today. I omitted the wine and tomato sauce and added a tin of crushed tomatoes. It is delicious! Thank you for sharing.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback!
Hi excited to make this tonight! If I make this on the stove top in the Dutch over will it cut the cook time down? Rather than the oven. Thanks!
The cook times are fairly similar, slightly faster on the stove if you cook it on high heat but you’ll have to mix it constantly and run the risk of it burning on the bottom.
Have made this twice. Followed to the T except I used cornflour to make it gluten free and I didn’t have celery. Really delicious! I think the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce are the secret ingredients that make the sauce caramelised and almost sticky. Mmmmm!
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback! It’s great that you managed to make it gluten free 💛
Cooked this tonight and it was absolutely amazing! My husband loved it! I always cook from scratch and love seeking out new recipes – definitely one to do again ❤️
I’m so happy you and your husband enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback!
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Awesome article – Really enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing valuable post with us. Keep up the good works.
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Amazing post, Thank you so much for this great recipe! I need more recipes like this in my back pocket for when it’s a crazy night and we have no groceries and i don’t know what else to make.
Thanks!
We’re happy you enjoyed our post! For other easy dinner recipes, check out our other recipes https://thebusybaker.ca/category/main-dishes/. Let us know what else you’re trying and how it turns out!
The best beef stew I have ever made!
Rave reviews from every family member.
We’re so happy you and your family enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback ☺️