Hearty & Classic Beef Stew Recipe: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Guide

There’s something uniquely comforting about a steaming bowl of beef stew, especially on a chilly day. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a timeless classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Our recipe for hearty beef stew is designed to be your go-to, delivering tender beef, a rich savory broth, and wholesome vegetables that meld together into an unforgettable meal. Whether you enjoy it straight from a bowl or generously poured over fluffy biscuits, this stew is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – a simple swap to lamb, and voilà, you have a delightful Irish stew!

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. The magic truly happens as this stew simmers, allowing the flavors to deepen and the beef to become incredibly tender. The longer it cooks, the more robust and satisfying it becomes. And with just a few optional tweaks, you can easily adjust the thickness and tailor the herbs to your personal taste, making it perfectly suited for your family’s preferences. Serve it piping hot with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or alongside a loaf of crusty bread for dipping, and prepare for rave reviews.

Why This Beef Stew Will Become Your New Favorite

What sets our beef stew apart? It’s a symphony of flavor built on simple, wholesome ingredients and the power of slow cooking. This combination creates a truly special dish that embodies the very essence of comfort food. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Unmatched Flavor Profile: We’ve carefully selected ingredients that create a deep, umami-rich broth, making every spoonful an explosion of taste. The beef bouillon, rosemary, and parsley are the foundational notes, while the vegetables contribute their natural sweetness and earthiness.
Perfectly Tender Beef: The secret to melt-in-your-mouth beef is the slow simmering process. This gentle cooking method breaks down tough cuts of meat, transforming them into incredibly tender, flavorful cubes that practically dissolve in your mouth.
Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, this stew is a complete meal in itself. It’s nourishing, filling, and provides a good balance of protein and vegetables.
Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing you to go about your day while dinner simmers to perfection.
Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you want to add more vegetables, experiment with different herbs, or even turn it into an Irish stew with lamb, this recipe serves as a fantastic base for customization.

Mastering the Art of Thickening and Simmering

Achieving the perfect consistency for your beef stew is key to its appeal. We use a cornstarch slurry at the end, which is a fantastic way to thicken the stew without leaving a floury taste. If you prefer an even thicker stew, you have a couple of options:

Add More Cornstarch: Simply mix a little more cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to form another slurry, and stir it into the simmering stew. Add it gradually, allowing the stew to thicken for a few minutes before adding more, as it thickens as it heats.
Uncover for the Last 15-20 Minutes: If your stew is a bit too thin for your liking, remove the lid during the final 15-20 minutes of simmering. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate, naturally reducing and concentrating the stew.

As for simmering, remember that time is your friend. The adage “the longer this simmers, the better!” truly applies here. A slow, gentle simmer allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, tenderizes the beef, and develops a depth of flavor that can’t be rushed. Plan for at least the recommended cooking time, but don’t hesitate to let it go a little longer if time permits and the liquid level is maintained.

Classic Beef Stew

Recipe by Addrecipes

3.4 from 24 votes

Course: Main Course, Soups, Stews and Chili
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Total time

hours

minutes

Nothing quite compares to a warm, soul-satisfying bowl of beef stew on a brisk day. This classic dish, while simple to prepare, boasts an incredible depth of flavor that makes it the ultimate comfort food. It’s not only a fantastic way to utilize ingredients you likely have on hand but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering. From a cozy weeknight dinner to a potluck showstopper, our hearty beef stew is sure to leave a delicious and lasting impression.

Ingredients for a Hearty Beef Stew

2 pounds cubed beef stew meat (such as chuck roast)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cubes beef bouillon, crumbled
4 cups water (or beef broth for richer flavor)
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons cold water

Simple Steps for a Delicious Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef stew meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until all sides are nicely browned. Browning the beef is a crucial step that locks in flavor and adds a rich color to your stew. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Start the Broth. In the same pot, dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of water (or beef broth for an even deeper flavor profile). Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then stir in the dried rosemary, dried parsley, and ground black pepper. Return the browned beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour. This initial simmering period is vital for tenderizing the meat and infusing it with the aromatic herbs.
Step 3: Add Vegetables & Thicken. After the first hour of simmering, stir in the peeled and cubed potatoes, carrots, celery, and chopped onion. These hearty vegetables will absorb the rich flavors of the broth as they cook. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water until a smooth slurry forms. Pour this cornstarch mixture into the stew, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. The slurry will gradually thicken the stew as it heats.
Step 4: Final Simmer. Cover the pot once more and continue to simmer for an additional 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking. If you desire a thicker stew, remove the lid for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

Our hearty beef stew is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments:

Fluffy Biscuits or Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, savory gravy. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are also excellent choices.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, the potatoes provide a smooth counterpoint to the chunky stew.
Egg Noodles or Rice: For a lighter base, serve your stew over a bed of al dente egg noodles or fluffy white or brown rice.
Polenta or Grits: For a Southern-inspired twist, serve your stew over creamy polenta or grits.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the stew, offering a refreshing balance.

Don’t forget a garnish! A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your beef stew from great to unforgettable:

Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the beef cubes before simmering is paramount. It creates a flavorful crust and adds a depth of flavor (the Maillard reaction) that cannot be achieved otherwise. Do it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam the meat instead of browning it.
Deglaze for Extra Flavor: After browning the beef, a trick to capture all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot is to deglaze. You can do this by adding a splash of red wine, beef broth, or even water and scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon as it simmers briefly.
Customize Your Herbs: While rosemary and parsley are fantastic, feel free to experiment. Thyme, bay leaves, or even a pinch of dried marjoram can add wonderful complexity. A bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs tied together) is also a great option you can easily remove before serving.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other hearty vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even mushrooms during the second simmering stage. For softer vegetables like peas or corn, add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Always taste your stew before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember that beef bouillon can be salty, so add additional salt cautiously.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Stew

Here are answers to some common questions to help you master this incredible dish:

Q: What makes this beef stew recipe so special and flavorful?

A: Our beef stew stands out due to the combination of high-quality ingredients and a deliberate slow-cooking process. We emphasize properly browning the beef to build a rich flavor foundation, then allow it to simmer for an extended period. This gentle cooking method ensures the beef cubes become incredibly tender, almost falling apart, while the vegetables soften perfectly and absorb all the aromatic flavors from the herbs and beef bouillon. It’s the ultimate comfort food because it’s deeply satisfying, warm, and packed with wholesome goodness.

Q: How long will this beef stew last in the fridge, and how should I store it?

A: When stored properly in an air-tight container, this beef stew will last wonderfully for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it cools completely to room temperature before transferring it to the container. This prevents condensation from forming, which can affect its quality and safety.

Q: Can I freeze this beef stew? If so, what’s the best way to do it?

A: Absolutely! Freezing beef stew is an excellent way to prepare meals ahead of time or to make the most of leftovers. This beef stew can be frozen for up to 4 months without significant loss of quality. To freeze, first ensure the stew has completely cooled to room temperature. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, lay them flat for easy stacking. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I make this beef stew in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, follow Step 1 by browning the beef in a skillet on the stovetop (this step is crucial for flavor and should not be skipped). Then, transfer the browned beef and all other ingredients (except for the cornstarch slurry) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken. You might want to reduce the initial water/broth slightly if you find your slow cooker doesn’t reduce liquid much.

Q: Can I add red wine to this beef stew for extra flavor?

A: Definitely! Adding red wine can significantly enhance the depth of flavor in your beef stew. After browning the beef and removing it from the pot, add about 1/2 to 1 cup of dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) to the pot. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon and let the wine simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly. Then, proceed with dissolving the bouillon and adding water/broth as directed in Step 2.