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Classic Beef Stew


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Looking for the ultimate comfort meal? This Classic Beef Stew is rich, savory, and loaded with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. It’s the perfect easy dinner, a nourishing cold weather favorite, and a go-to when you’re craving hearty food ideas. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for the family or stocking up on meal prep favorites, this stew delivers flavor, warmth, and satisfaction in every bite.


Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 large yellow onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup red wine (optional, or use additional broth)

4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

2 bay leaves

4 carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds

3 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

2 parsnips or turnips, peeled and diced (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs, for garnish


Instructions

1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches, browning all sides. Transfer browned beef to a plate.

2. Add the remaining olive oil to the same pot. Toss in the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to coat and cook for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir well, bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. After 1.5 hours, add carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. Continue simmering uncovered for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables and beef are tender.

6. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs before serving.

Notes

For a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot before serving.

This stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together overnight.

You can substitute or add vegetables like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or turnips for variety.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stewing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: classic beef stew, easy dinner, comfort food, hearty meals, beef recipes