This easy beef stew is warm, hearty, and full of flavor. Made with tender beef chunks, soft potatoes, and rich broth it’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort in a bowl. It’s simple to make with everyday ingredients and perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekends.
Key Benefits
Making this easy beef stew isn’t just about dinner—it’s about creating comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe offers more than just great taste. Here’s why it’s a favorite in my kitchen:
- Effortless Prep – No complicated steps or fancy tools. Just simple chopping, searing, and simmering.
- Hearty and Filling – Loaded with tender beef chunks, soft carrots, and potatoes, it’s a complete one-pot meal.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable stew meat and pantry staples to create a satisfying dish without stretching your grocery bill.
- Flavor That Builds – Browning the beef first locks in richness, and the slow simmer brings everything together in a deeply savory broth.
- Perfect for Leftovers – This stew tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for batch cooking and meal planning.
If you’re craving cozy, homemade comfort food that delivers on both flavor and ease, this stew checks every box.
Ingredients with Quantities
Beef Chuck Roast – Chuck roast is best for tenderness. Other cuts work but may not be as tender.
Olive Oil – Olive oil adds flavor when browning the beef. You can use other oils if needed.
Yellow Onion – Yellow onions add sweetness to the base. Other onions can be used instead.
Garlic – Fresh garlic adds depth. Garlic powder can be used if necessary.
Carrots – Carrots add sweetness, texture, and color. You can substitute with other root vegetables.
Russet Potatoes – Russet potatoes hold their shape well in stew. Yukon Golds can be used for a creamier texture.
Tomato Paste – Tomato paste deepens flavor. Crushed tomatoes can be used instead.
Beef Broth – Beef broth is the best option for flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami flavor. Soy sauce can be substituted, but it isn’t the same.
Dried Thyme – Adds earthy flavor. Fresh thyme works as a substitute.
Bay Leaf – Bay leaves enhance flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient.
Salt and Black Pepper – Used to season the stew. Adjust to taste.
Instructions
Now that we have everything ready, let’s walk through how to make this easy beef stew step by step. Trust me, once you see how simple it is, this dish will quickly become your go-to comfort food!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot. Brown the beef in batches, then set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onion and garlic for 3 minutes, then stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Add the browned beef, carrots, potatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew to thicken it. Cook for 10 more minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Adjust the seasoning, remove the bay leaf, and ladle the stew into bowls. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
A few small tips can make a big difference when it comes to perfecting this easy beef stew. Here are some helpful tricks to elevate your cooking experience and results:
Choose the Right Beef – For tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces, opt for chuck roast or stew beef. These cuts are perfect for slow cooking and become wonderfully tender as they simmer.
Don’t Skip the Browning – Browning the beef before simmering is crucial. It adds a rich, savory depth to the stew. If you skip this step, you’ll miss out on a lot of flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh thyme and bay leaves add a layer of aromatic goodness. If you only have dried, no worries! Just remember to adjust the quantities slightly (about 1/3 of the amount for dried herbs).
Add a Little Acid – A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can really brighten up the flavors of the stew.
Adjust Thickness to Your Liking – If you prefer a thicker stew, don’t hesitate to use the cornstarch slurry. Just be sure to add it gradually and stir well to avoid lumps.
Let It Rest – For the best flavor, let the stew sit for about 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the dish even more delicious.
Variations
While this easy beef stew is perfect just as it is, you can definitely play around with ingredients to create your own twist. Here are a few variations to help you personalize the recipe and make it your own:
Add Mushrooms – If you’re a fan of earthy flavors, throw in some sliced cremini mushrooms or button mushrooms during the sauté step. They’ll add a rich, meaty texture to the stew.
Make It Spicy – For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic. This gives the stew a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Try Different Vegetables – Swap out the potatoes and carrots for other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes. These will add a slightly different flavor while still keeping things hearty and comforting.
Go for a Tomato-Based Stew – For a twist on the classic, stir in a can of diced tomatoes with the broth. The tomatoes will add a touch of acidity and a slight sweetness to balance out the rich beef.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your easy beef stew is ready to be enjoyed, let’s talk about how to serve it up for the ultimate meal experience. Whether you’re looking to add a side or make it a complete comfort-food feast, these serving suggestions will complement the rich flavors of the stew perfectly.
Crusty Bread – A warm loaf of crusty bread or baguette is a classic pairing. Use it to soak up the hearty broth and add a satisfying crunch alongside the tender beef and vegetables.
Mashed Potatoes – For a creamy touch, serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth potatoes balance the richness of the stew and add another comforting layer to the meal.
Steamed Rice – If you prefer a lighter option, steamed white rice or brown rice works well to absorb the delicious stew sauce without overpowering the flavors.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your easy beef stew recipe. These tips will answer common concerns and provide additional insights to make your cooking experience even smoother.
Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this beef stew in a slow cooker. After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, simply transfer everything into the slow cooker, add the broth and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender. It’s an easy way to let the flavors meld without needing to watch over the stew.
Can I use frozen beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef for the stew. However, make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge before browning it for the best results. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the beef from releasing too much moisture during browning.
Can I make beef stew without potatoes?
Absolutely! If you prefer a low-carb or gluten-free version, simply omit the potatoes. You can substitute them with cauliflower, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a similar texture and flavor. If you’re aiming for fewer carbs, cauliflower is a great alternative to mimic the potatoes’ consistency.
How do I know when the beef is cooked perfectly?
The beef is ready when it’s fork-tender and easily falls apart. It should not feel tough or chewy. If the beef still feels tough after the suggested cooking time, simply let it simmer for a bit longer. The longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes.
easy beef stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 medium carrots sliced
- 3 medium russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef chunks in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef until it’s nicely browned on all sides. This step is key for building flavor.
- Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
- Return the browned beef to the pot, along with any juices.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme.
- Toss in the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and let the beef get tender as it slowly absorbs all those rich flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Gradually stir the slurry into the stew and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the stew into bowls, and you’re ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food!