Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Looking for the perfect beef stew recipe? This easy and flavorful beef stew is packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth. Made with simple ingredients like carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions, this comforting stew is slow-cooked to perfection. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables soak up all the savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy beef stew recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for chilly days or special occasions!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (divided)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups vegetable or beef broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium heat. Add half of the beef in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes without stirring. Flip the beef and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining olive oil and beef.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Return all the browned beef to the pot. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook with the onions and garlic for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine Vegetables and Broth: Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, dried thyme, dried basil, and bay leaves. Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
7. Serve: Remove the bay leaves and season with fresh parsley. Serve the stew warm and enjoy!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy beef stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. It’s a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal packed with tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich broth. The slow simmering process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the seasonings and broth. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Tips

• Browning the Beef: Make sure to brown the beef in batches to ensure it gets a nice sear, which adds depth to the flavor of the stew.
• Add Extra Flavor: For a richer taste, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef.
• Low and Slow: Let the stew simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the stew will be.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetables: You can add other vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or peas to customize the stew.
• Broth: Use beef broth for a more robust flavor, or vegetable broth for a lighter option.
• Herbs: Swap dried thyme and basil for fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to coat the beef for a gluten-free version of this stew.

FAQs

• Can I make this stew ahead of time? Yes! Beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Can I cook this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can. After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
• Can I use other cuts of beef? Yes, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or brisket. Just cut them into small cubes, and they will become tender after slow cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this easy beef stew with a side of crusty bread or buttered rolls to soak up all the flavorful broth. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would pair beautifully with the rich stew for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.