Beef Stew

This hearty Beef Stew is a medley of tender chunks of beef, robust seasonings and an array of wholesome vegetables, creating a comforting meal that warms both body and soul. It’s easy to make in one pot and the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.

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Updated October 2023

Delicious and Hearty Beef Stew Recipe for a Comforting Meal

Looking for the perfect comfort food to warm your soul on a chilly evening? Look no further than this mouthwatering Beef Stew recipe. Packed with tender chunks of beef and an array of hearty and nutritious vegetables, this cozy stew is a classic dish that never goes out of style.

Homemade beef stew is the perfect cold weather comfort food for warming up on a chilly or rainy day. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy evening at home, this classic beef stew is sure to hit the spot and sure to impress your family and friends with a hearty and comforting meal. Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free and includes lots of options if you need the recipe to be gluten-free, paleo, low carb or Whole30.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Seasoning the Meat

Before diving into the heart of this recipe, let’s start with the essential ingredients that season the meat to perfection:

• Gluten-Free Flour or Alternative: Used to coat the beef and create a delightful crust when searing. Feel free to use gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour, gluten-free fine oat flour, cassava flour (paleo and Whole30 compliant) or all purpose flour, as needed.
• Sea Salt: Adds a savory touch to the meat and overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Provides a hint of spiciness and complements the other seasonings.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the savory notes and depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the meat with a wonderful blend of herbs and spices.
• Beef Chuck Roast or Stew Meat: The star of the show, providing the hearty, meaty goodness.

For the Stew

Now, let’s delve into the heartwarming ingredients that make up the stew itself:

• Cooking Oil: Essential for searing the meat and adding richness to the stew.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a delightful hint of pungency and depth.
• Red Wine or Balsamic Vinegar: Offers acidity and a subtle tang that balances the flavors.
• Tomato Paste: Enhances the stew’s richness and depth of flavor.
• Yukon Potatoes: Bring creamy texture and a mild flavor to the stew. Feel free to sub with turnips for a lower carb alternative.
• Sweet Potato: Adds a touch of natural sweetness (optional).
• Carrots: Infuse sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery: Provides a crisp and fresh element.
• Star Anise (Optional): For a unique, aromatic twist.
• Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce: Offers umami and depth of flavor. You can use coconut aminos and fish sauce if needed for a Whole30 alternative.
• Italian Seasoning, Dried Rosemary, Dried Parsley, Dried Thyme: A medley of herbs that elevates the stew’s taste.
• Bay Leaf: Adds depth and complexity.
• Beef Broth: The liquid base that melds all the flavors together.
• Tapioca Starch, Cornstarch or Alternative Starch: For thickening the stew if desired.
• Fresh Parsley: The finishing touch for a burst of freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and adjust to your taste.

Instructions: How to make Beef Stew

• Season the Meat: Start by combining flour, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning in a large zip-top bag. Add the beef chunks and shake until they are well coated.
• Sear the Meat: In a large dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, add cooking oil and sear the meat on all sides until it forms a beautiful crust. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once seared, set the meat aside on a plate.
• Sauté Aromatics: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pot and sauté the onions and garlic until they begin to soften. Deglaze the pan with red wine or balsamic vinegar, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes.
• Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot and add the potatoes, carrots, celery, star anise (if using), Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and beef broth. If the liquid doesn’t cover the vegetables, add just enough water to do so.
• Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 55 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your stove. Stir occasionally until the potatoes are tender, and the meat reaches your desired level of tenderness.
• Thicken the Stew (Optional): For a thicker consistency, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Turn the heat to high and stir this mixture into the stew. Allow it to boil and thicken while stirring occasionally.
• Final Touch: Remove from heat, adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for Success to make the Best Beef Stew

• For an extra flavor boost, consider using homemade beef broth.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the stew to your preferences.
• When searing the meat, don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your desired meat and vegetable tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

This classic beef stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread, instant rice, or mashed potatoes. A side of our vegan caesar salad or air fryer broccoli or steamed greens can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this beef stew recipe. Consider adding mushrooms, peas, or other favorite veggies like our Irish Beef Stew. You can also substitute the meat with chicken or turkey for a lighter twist. If you don’t feel like turning on your stove, feel free to make this homemade beef stew in the:

• Pressure Cooker: Instant Pot Beef Stew
• Crockpot: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Storage and Freezer Instructions

Beef stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To freeze, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion, and store for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What type of meat is best for beef stew?
   • The best cuts of meat for beef stew are typically tougher cuts with marbling, such as beef chuck roast or beef stew meat. These cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
2. Can I make this stew gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can make this stew gluten-free by using gluten-free 1-to-1 flour or gluten-free fine oat flour for coating the meat. Also, ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or use a suitable alternative.
3. What can I use as a substitute for star anise?
   • If you don’t have star anise, you can substitute it with 1/8 teaspoon of Chinese five spice powder for a similar flavor profile.
4. How do I thicken the stew?
   • To thicken the stew, create a slurry by whisking 2 teaspoons of cornstarch (or an alternative starch like arrowroot or tapioca flour) with 3 teaspoons of water. Stir this mixture into the stew and allow it to boil and thicken while stirring occasionally.
5. Are there variations to this beef stew recipe?
   • Absolutely! You can customize your beef stew by adding ingredients like mushrooms, peas, or your favorite vegetables. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.
6. How long should I simmer the stew for the best results?
   • The cooking time can vary depending on your stove and preferences. Simmer the stew for 55 minutes to 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender, and the meat reaches your desired level of tenderness.
7. Can I make this stew in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare this stew in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. In fact, many people find that stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.

8. What’s the best way to adjust the seasonings?

   • Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add more Worcestershire sauce or herbs if you want to intensify the flavor.

More cozy soup recipes you will love:

Chicken Tortilla Soup

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4.09 from 135 votes

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Beef Stew

Prep Time

35 mins

Cook Time

1 hr

Total Time

1 hr 35 mins

 

This hearty Beef Stew is a medley of tender chunks of beef, robust seasonings and an array of wholesome vegetables, creating a comforting meal that warms both body and soul. It's easy to make in one pot and the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: classic beef stew recipe, delicious beef stew, stovetop beef stew

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 117 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

For seasoning the meat

• 1/3 cup gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour , feel free to sub with gluten-free fine oat flour, cassava flour (paleo + Whole30 compliant) or all purpose flour as needed.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1-1/2 - 2 pounds beef chuck roast , or beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch chunks

For the stew

• cooking oil divided
• 1 medium onion diced into large chunks
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1-2 tablespoons red wine or balsamic vinegar
• 6 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 medium Yukon potatoes peeled and chopped into 1 inch chunks (can also use 10 baby potatoes and leave skin on). Feel free to sub with turnips for a lower carb alternative
• 1 medium sweet potato peeled and chopped into 1 inch chunks (leave out if desired)
• 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 1/4 star anise , optional but adds SO much flavor - found in the International section or spice aisle. Feel free to sub with 1/8 - 1/4 tsp Chinese five spice powder
• 1-2 teaspoons gluten-free Worcestershire sauce , feel free to use regular Worcestershire sauce as needed or sub with a combination of 1 1/2 tsp coconut aminos and 1/2 tsp fish sauce as a Whole30 alternative
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups beef broth homemade or low sodium
• water only as needed to cover the vegetables
• 2 teaspoons tapioca starch + 3 teaspoons water to create a slurry - to thicken the stew if needed , feel free to sub with arrowroot starch or corn starch if preferred
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large zip-top bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Add meat and shake until well coated.

2. In a large dutch oven or pot on medium-high heat, add cooking oil and sear the meat on all sides for about 2-3 minutes. You may have to work in batches so you don't crowd the meat. Remove and set aside on a plate.
3. Add another tablespoon of oil, then add onions & garlic to the pan. Cook and saute for about 1 minute, until onions start to soften. Add wine or balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the beef back to the pan then toss in the potatoes, carrots, celery (star anise if using), Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf and stir in the beef broth. If there is not enough liquid to cover the vegetables, add water - only as much as needed.
4. Bring to a boil then turn heat down to low, cover and simmer for 55 minutes - 2 hours (depending on your stove), stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and meat is tender to your liking.

5. For a thicker stew, in a small bowl, whisk together starch with water. Turn heat back to high and stir starch mixture into stew. Allow stew to boil and thicken up while stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, adjust seasonings and serve hot with fresh parsley.

Recipe Notes

How to store:

Beef stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To freeze, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion, and store for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Facts

Beef Stew

Amount Per Serving (1 serving (1/4 recipe))

Calories 117

% Daily Value*

Carbohydrates 23g8%

Fiber 4g16%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 5g10%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.