Easy Beef Stew Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dinner that feels like a big hug in a bowl, wait until you try this Easy Beef Stew Recipe. I absolutely love how rich and hearty this stew turns out, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers deep flavors and tender beef every time—you’re going to want to keep this one in your regular rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, from the savory beef to the sweet earthiness of root vegetables. When shopping, try to pick fresh, firm vegetables and well-marbled stew meat for the best results.

• Beef chuck stew meat: Look for well-marbled pieces; the fat keeps the meat tender during slow cooking.
• Kosher salt: I always prefer kosher salt over table salt because of its coarse texture and clean flavor.
• Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin for the best flavor in browning the meat and veggies.
• Celery: Adds subtle crunch and freshness balancing the rich beef.
• Onion: A medium yellow onion works great to add sweetness as it cooks down.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness brings depth and color to the stew.
• Parsnips: Optional but they add a lovely nutty flavor and sweet earthiness.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground gives the best aroma and mild heat.
• Fresh thyme: This herb’s fragrant notes brighten the stew perfectly.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew without clumps when properly cooked in at the right time.
• Beef broth: Use a good-quality broth or homemade if you can—it really makes a difference.
• Water: Added to adjust consistency and help simmer everything gently.
• Balsamic vinegar: This splash adds subtle tang and depth, a neat trick I discovered to boost flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a little bit of savory complexity.
• Russet potatoes: These soak up flavor and hold their shape nicely in the stew.
• Fresh parsley leaves: For that fresh, herbal finish right before serving.

Variations

I love tweaking this Easy Beef Stew Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood for the day. The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is, so feel free to make it your own!

• Wine Lover’s Twist: I sometimes swap half the water with a dry red wine for a deeper, more complex flavor—great for dinner parties.
• Vegetarian Swap: Out of beef? Use mushrooms and lentils with vegetable broth for a heartier, meatless version that still satisfies.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne if you want a little kick; my family enjoys this variation especially in cooler months.

How to Make Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Start by seasoning your beef chunks with a tablespoon of kosher salt—this step really helps to bring out the meat’s flavor. Heat your olive oil in a large, thick-bottomed pot over high heat. Don’t crowd the pan; if needed, do this in batches. Brown the beef on all sides until it’s no longer pink, and you start to see some juices pooling—about 10 minutes. This browning is where a lot of the flavor develops, so be patient and enjoy that sizzle.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Build Your Stew Base

Once the beef is browned, add your celery, onion, carrots, and parsnips. Reduce heat to medium-high and sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of salt plus black pepper. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and most of the liquid cooks off—about 10 minutes. I like this step because it intensifies the veggies’ sweetness and melds the flavors with the beef.

Step 3: Add Thyme and Flour to Thicken

Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and all-purpose flour next, stirring constantly for around 30 seconds. You want to cook off the raw flour taste—this little trick gives the stew a beautiful, thick texture without lumps. It’s one of those tricks I use every time to make sure the broth clings nicely to everything.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer Low and Slow

Pour in the beef broth, water, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, then bring the whole pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and let it simmer gently. Be sure to stir every 20 minutes or so. After about an hour, you’ll notice how the stew darkens and thickens—trust me, this slow simmer does wonders for tenderness and flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Potatoes and Fresh Parsley

Stir in the russet potatoes and keep simmering for another 30 minutes or until both the potatoes and beef are fork-tender. This last step softens the potatoes perfectly without turning them mushy. At the very end, season to taste and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right before serving to add a bright pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it brightens the whole dish instantly and adds a lovely herbal note. If you’re feeling fancy, a little dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated parmesan can add another layer of creaminess and richness.

Side Dishes

This stew shines on its own, but if you want to stretch the meal, crusty artisan bread or buttery mashed potatoes are my go-tos. A simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts bring a fresh contrast that balances the hearty stew beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this beef stew in mini cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep it warm longer. Garnish with a sprig of thyme or a swirl of herb-infused oil for a restaurant-worthy touch that impresses guests without extra hassle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making leftovers a lunchtime favorite. Just give the stew a good stir before reheating because the ingredients tend to settle or thicken.

Freezing

This Easy Beef Stew Recipe freezes wonderfully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop—just avoid microwaving if you want the best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to maintain the tenderness and keep the potatoes from turning mushy. If it gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Beef Stew Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when the days get colder and I want something comforting but fuss-free. It strikes the perfect balance between hearty and flavorful without requiring hours of hands-on time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a little warmth and happiness to your table as it does to mine!

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