Name: Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil (more as needed); 1 onion, chopped; 6 cups beef broth; ½ cup red wine (optional); 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces; 4 ribs celery, cut into 1 inch pieces; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or as needed); 2 tablespoons water (or as needed); ¾ cup peas

Jump to Recipe·5 from 76 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly evenings, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I absolutely love how the tender beef, rich broth, and robust veggies come together to create a stew that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender, Flavorful Beef: Tossing the beef in seasoned flour and browning it creates a delicious crust and deep flavor.
Comforting and Filling: Loaded with potatoes, carrots, celery, and peas, this stew is like a complete meal in a bowl.
Flexible and Simple: With easy pantry staples and optional red wine for richness, this stew adapts to what you have on hand.
Perfect For Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, meal prep, or cozying up on a weekend with some crusty bread.

A white pot filled with a thick stew showing several layers: large chunks of brown meat, round orange carrot slices, yellow potato pieces, small green peas, and diced celery, all mixed in a rich brown sauce and lightly sprinkled with chopped green herbs on top. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a striped gray and white cloth partially visible underneath. The colors of the stew ingredients contrast brightly with the white pot, making the dish look warm and hearty photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Beef Stew, beef stew recipe, comforting beef stew, easy beef stew, homemade beef stew

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing fresh, good-quality ingredients really makes this hearty beef stew shine. You’ll want to get the right cut of beef — something labeled “stewing beef” or chuck works best — as well as fresh veggies that’ll soak up all those lovely flavors.

Flat lay of fresh cubed stewing beef, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl with black pepper, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a whole uncracked brown onion, peeled and cubed potatoes, bright orange carrot pieces, crisp celery ribs cut into chunks, a small white bowl with rich red tomato paste, a single fresh sprig of rosemary, a small white bowl of white cornstarch, a small white bowl of clear water, and fresh green peas arranged neatly on simple white ceramic dishes, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Hearty Beef Stew, beef stew recipe, comforting beef stew, easy beef stew, homemade beef stew

Stewing beef: Look for well-marbled chunks; they break down beautifully and stay tender during slow cooking.
All-purpose flour: Helps coat the beef for browning and thickens the stew slightly.
Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the beef’s natural flavor.
Olive oil: For searing the beef and sautéing the onions; it adds a subtle fruity richness.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as the base of the stew’s flavor.
Beef broth: The backbone of the stew’s rich, savory liquid—homemade or store-bought both work.
Red wine (optional): Adds a beautiful complexity to the broth; if you don’t have it, just skip it and add a splash more broth.
Potatoes: Choose starchy ones like Russets for a creamy texture, diced into bite-sized pieces.
Carrots: Sweet, crunchy, and perfect counterbalance to the beef.
Celery: Adds a subtle earthy flavor and an extra layer of texture.
Tomato paste: Boosts umami and gives the stew a rich color.
Rosemary: I like fresh sprigs because they add aroma and brightness, but dried works in a pinch.
Cornstarch and water: Combined to thicken the stew to your preferred consistency—totally optional but a nice touch.
Peas: Stir in last for a pop of color and fresh sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is such a great canvas. I often tweak it depending on the season or what’s in the fridge. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll be surprised how little changes can suit your tastes perfectly.

Slow Cooker Version: I once tried loading everything into my slow cooker and leaving it on low for 8 hours—perfect for busy days when you’re not around to stir.
Veggie Boost: Sometimes I add mushrooms or parsnips for extra earthiness, and my family totally loves the richer flavor and added texture.
Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative or cornstarch and check your broth labels to keep it all gluten-free.
Red Wine Swap: If you don’t drink wine, a splash of balsamic vinegar adds a nice tang without alcohol.

How to Make Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

Start by mixing the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss your cubed stewing beef in this mix until each piece is nicely coated. This step adds flavor and helps give your beef that gorgeous brown crust when cooked.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Don’t crowd the pan—brown the beef in small batches, which helps develop depth of flavor and a great texture. Remove browned beef and set aside; trust me, this step is totally worth the extra dishwashing.

Step 3: Build the Base Flavor

In the same pot, add chopped onions—adding a bit more olive oil if needed—and cook them gently for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan; this is where tons of flavor lives!

Step 4: Add the Veggies and Simmer

Return the browned beef to the pot and add potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for about an hour or until the beef is tender. I usually check around 60 minutes; if it’s still tough, give it another 15-20 minutes. Patience here really rewards you!

Step 5: Thicken and Finish

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly stir it into the simmering stew until you’re happy with the thickness—start with a little; it thickens fast. Finally, add peas and simmer for another 5-10 minutes before tasting and adjusting salt and pepper.

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Pro Tips for Making Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Brown in Batches: Crowding the beef cools the pan and steams the meat instead of browning it; patience here means better flavor.
Keep it Simmering Gently: Low and slow is key — a rolling boil can toughen the meat, so watch your heat.
Use Fresh Herbs if You Can: They add a noticeable freshness and aroma that dried just can’t match.
Taste Before Seasoning: Because beef broth and tomato paste add saltiness, adjust seasoning only at the end to avoid over-salting.

How to Serve Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. It brightens up the deep flavors and adds just the right pop of green. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper on top completes the look and taste perfectly.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crusty bread or warm buttered rolls — perfect for soaking up that luscious broth. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I love serving this stew in individual mini Dutch ovens or even inside hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, memorable touch. It’s a sure way to wow guests and make the meal feel extra cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge—it keeps wonderfully for 3 to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this stew works beautifully. I let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. When I freeze portions, I label them with the date, and they last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps keep it from thickening too much. Microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! While stewing beef or chuck is best because it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts might become tough, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it necessary to add red wine to the stew?

Not at all. The red wine adds depth and complexity, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use alcohol, just substitute with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a bit of tang.
How do I know when the beef is tender enough?

The best way is to test by poking or tasting a piece — it should be easy to cut and chew, not chewy or rubbery. If it’s still tough at the 60-minute mark, keep simmering 15-20 minutes longer until tender.
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes! For Instant Pot, brown the beef first on sauté mode, then cook under high pressure for about 35 minutes, followed by a natural release. For slow cooker, do the same browning step, then cook on low for 7-8 hours. Vegetables can be added halfway through for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is truly one of my kitchen staples—I love how it fills the house with a mouthwatering aroma that just draws everyone in. Whenever I make it, I’m reminded how cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. So if you want to serve up a dish that’s warm, filling, and packed with comforting flavors, give this recipe a go. I promise it’ll become one of your favorites just like it is for me!