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Best Beef Stew


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  • Author: Leslie Bennett
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

A hearty and comforting classic, beef stew combines tender chunks of beef, seasonal vegetables, and savory broth in a slow-cooked dish perfect for cold weather or family gatherings. This versatile recipe can be customized to suit dietary preferences while delivering rich flavors and nourishing ingredients.


Ingredients

– 2 lbs boneless chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes

– 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

– 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cubed

– 3 large carrots, sliced

– 3 celery stalks, chopped

– 1 large onion, diced

– 1 cup sliced mushrooms

– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)

– 2 tbsp tomato paste

– 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

– ½ cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)

– ½ cup red wine (optional, for depth)

– 1 tsp kosher salt

– ½ tsp black pepper

– 3 fresh thyme sprigs

– 2 bay leaves


Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Trim and cube the chuck roast. Dice potatoes, slice carrots, chop celery, dice onions, and slice mushrooms.
  2. Sear Beef: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until softened.
  4. Add Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 2 tbsp flour, cooking for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
  5. Deglaze and Simmer: Gradually add 4 cups beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the beef to the pot. Add potato chunks, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.
  6. Cook Low and Slow: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender.
  7. Finish with Peas: Stir in ½ cup frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

– For a slow cooker version: Combine all ingredients except peas in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. Add peas during the last 30 minutes.

– To thicken stew: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the stew, or simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.

– Freeze cooled stew in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, Oven
  • Cuisine: American, Global Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg (varies based on broth used)
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg