Name: Easy Homemade Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs stew beef (chuck roast, cut into chunks); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, peeled and sliced; 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth or stock; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Easy Homemade Beef Stew is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when I’m craving something rich and satisfying. Made with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and a savory broth, this classic dish comes together with simple ingredients and fills the house with incredible aromas as it simmers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this stew combines rustic flavor with effortless preparation. It’s one of those dishes that feels like it took hours to make, but most of the work happens in one pot with minimal hands-on time. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the vegetables soak up the savory, herby broth. I can also make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days, which makes this stew as practical as it is delicious.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Stew beef (chuck roast cut into chunks)
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Carrots
Potatoes
Celery
Tomato paste
Beef broth or stock
Worcestershire sauce
Bay leaf
Dried thyme
Salt and pepper
Flour (for thickening)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. I sear the beef chunks in batches until browned on all sides, then remove them and set them aside.
In the same pot, I sauté the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until they start to soften and become fragrant.
I stir in tomato paste and cook it for a minute to deepen the flavor.
I return the beef to the pot, sprinkle flour over everything, and stir to coat—this helps thicken the stew later on.
I pour in the beef broth, add the Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Then I add the potatoes and bring everything to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, I reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer on low for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the broth has thickened.
Before serving, I taste and adjust the seasoning, and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 hearty portions. It takes roughly 15 minutes of prep and 1 hour 45 minutes of cook time, so I plan for around 2 hours total. Most of that time is hands-off while the stew simmers, letting the flavors develop beautifully.

Variations

Sometimes I swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter touch, or add parsnips or mushrooms if I have them on hand. If I want a richer flavor, I’ll deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine before adding the broth. I’ve also made this in a slow cooker by searing the meat first and then cooking everything on low for 8 hours or high for 4.

Storage/Reheating

I let the stew cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day. For longer storage, I freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, I can. I just sear the beef first for the best flavor, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.

What cut of beef is best for stew?

I prefer chuck roast because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after simmering. It’s affordable and perfect for stewing.

How can I thicken my beef stew?

I coat the beef with flour before simmering, which helps naturally thicken the stew. If needed, I also mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in near the end.

Can I freeze beef stew?

Definitely. Once cooled, I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. It reheats well and is great for meal prep.

What can I serve with beef stew?

I like to serve it with crusty bread, biscuits, or over a scoop of mashed potatoes. A simple green salad on the side also works nicely.

Conclusion

Easy Homemade Beef Stew is a go-to comfort food that always delivers on flavor and satisfaction. It’s a one-pot meal I turn to when I want something cozy, nourishing, and filling. With simple ingredients and minimal fuss, it’s a recipe I keep in regular rotation all fall and winter long.