Overhead view of a bowl of hearty beef stew with tender beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and celery in rich brown broth.

Flavour Quest Recipes

🍲 Hearty Homestyle Beef Stew

This hearty homestyle beef stew is a comforting, slow-simmered classic made with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Warm and satisfying, it’s the kind of cozy meal that’s perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or make-ahead comfort food.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 16

Servings: 8

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 lbs Beef chuck cut into 1 1/2 -inch cubes
3 tbsp All-purpose flour
2 tbsp Olive oil
1 Medium onion chopped
3 Cloves garlic minced
4 cups Beef broth
2 tbsp Tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Thyme dried
2 Bay leaves
4 Carrots, large peeled & sliced
3 Potatoes, medium peeled & cubed
1/2 tsp Black pepper
1 tsp Salt
2 Celery stalks sliced
1 cup Peas, frozen optional, added at the end
2 tbsp Parsley, fresh chopped, for garnish

Method

Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then toss lightly with flour until coated.
Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Deglaze & Add Liquids
Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in beef broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits — this adds deep flavor.
Add Seasonings & Simmer
Return the beef to the pot. Add thyme, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, and celery.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, or until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Finish & Serve
Stir in peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking (if using). Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.

🔄 Variations

Add red wine while simmering for deeper flavor.

Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.

Include mushrooms or parsnips for extra depth.

Make it thicker by mashing a few potatoes into the stew near the end.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve beef stew with crusty bread, buttered rolls, or cornbread to soak up the broth.

A simple green salad or steamed green beans makes a great side.

Add a side salad for balance.

Great as leftovers — flavors deepen the next day!

❄️ Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Beef stew also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

💡Tips

For richer flavor, brown the beef thoroughly — don’t rush this step.
Add a splash of red wine before simmering for a restaurant-quality taste.
Want it thicker? Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water and stir in during the last 10 minutes.
Simmer low and slow until the beef is fork-tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as flavors deepen during cooking.

❓ FAQs

Q: What cut of beef works best for stew?
A: Chuck roast is ideal—it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

Q: Can I make beef stew ahead of time?
A: Yes. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Q: Why is my stew meat tough?
A: It needs more time. Continue simmering gently until the beef softens.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this recipe, you’ll love my free Comfort Dinner Guide—packed with easy, satisfying weeknight meals.