March 15, 2023
Review RecipeStovetop Beef Stew
Hearty, delicious, and easy to make, this old-fashioned beef stew is a family favorite.
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Beef stew is classic comfort food that is hearty and full of flavor. It is a perfect recipe for a cold night and is packed with vegetables, gravy, and tender beef.
If you do have an Instant Pot, you can use this Instant Pot beef stew version instead.
STOVETOP BEEF STEW THAT’S TENDER
Simmering the beef at a low temperature for at least 90 minutes will give you a deliciously fork-tender beef.
BEEF STEW INGREDIENTS
You’ll need:
- 3 pounds chuck roast, cut into bite size pieces (1-2 inches)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped (one small onion or half of a large onion)
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into bite size pieces (1 inch)
- 2 celery stalks cut into bite size pieces
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
- 3 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
What is the best beef for stew?
The best choices for beef stew include lean cuts such as chuck, shoulder cuts, or round steak. These cuts tend to be the least expensive cuts of meat and are perfect for your beef stew recipe.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
BEEF: You can use any type of beef that cooks well in a stew. Chuck roast is popular or you can use braising steak or beef stew meat. Try to cut cubes of beef to an even size so it cooks properly.
WINE: To make a stew that’s more like a classic Beef Bourguignon, you can add a little red wine. Any good red will do and add two cups as you add the beef stock.
BEEF STEW RECIPE FLAVOR BOMBS
To add even more flavor to the beef stew, add:
- Roasted Garlic
- Chili Powder or Paprika for spice
- Honey or Brown Sugar for sweetness
- A little bit of Cinnamon
- Rehydrated Dried Mushrooms
- Soy Sauce
- Fish Sauce
HOW TO MAKE BEEF STEW
Step 1: Coat Beef
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Coat the raw beef pieces in the flour mixture.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large stockpot or large Dutch oven, add the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat pieces and brown beef on all sides.
The meat will continue cooking in the stew. Once the meat is brown remove it to a plate and set it aside.
PRO TIP:
Cook the beef in batches so it is not too crowded in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
If you need to add additional butter or olive oil you can add more to sauté the vegetables. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery into the pot and cook until the vegetables start to caramelize or get slightly soft.
Step 4: Add Broth Ingredients
Add in the beef broth, tomato paste, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and rosemary. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Boil, Then Reduce to Simmer
Add the beef pieces back into the pot and bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once it starts to boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for one hour to 90 minutes or until the beef is tender.
PRO TIP:
A good beef stew needs time to simmer and allow all of the flavors to blend together. Make sure you give it time to simmer for at least an hour and preferably longer.
Step 6: Thicken Stew
Mix the cornstarch and water and slowly stir into the beef stew to thicken the sauce. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid off, stirring occasionally as it thickens.
PRO TIP:
If the stew is still too watery, add more cornstarch, a little at a time, to thicken.
Step 7: Adjust Final Ingredients
Remove the bay leaf.
Add the peas to the stew for the last 5 to 10 minutes while it is thickening and before serving, so they don’t get mushy.
HOW TO THICKEN BEEF STEW
Adding a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of water and cornstarch) is just the thing you need to thicken up your beef stew.
BEST BEEF STEW RECIPE TIPS
The best tips to making a delicious beef stew include:
- Use homemade broth.
- Give the stew plenty of time to simmer.
- Choose the right cut of beef.
- Sear the outside of the meat first.
- Add flour or cornstarch to thicken the stew.
- Use flavorful dried spices to season the stew.
- Add the vegetables at the right time based on how long they need to soften up.
HOW TO SERVE BEEF STEW
This is a delicious and complete meal on its own with crusty French bread or dinner rolls on the side.
You can also serve it on top of egg noodles, with a side salad or scalloped potatoes. Creamy mashed potatoes are also delicious with it and easy to make.
BEEF STEW RECIPE STORAGE
IN THE FRIDGE: You can store leftovers of this hearty stew in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
If you want to make it ahead of time, carry out steps one to seven then stop and pop it in the fridge once cooled. When you want to serve, reheat, then finish the last steps.
IN THE FREEZER: This simple beef stew can freeze but it is best to do so without the potatoes as they don’t freeze well.
Once it is cooked and cooled, store it in airtight containers for up to three months. When reheating, you can either add cooked potatoes in or serve as a side dish.
This easy beef stew recipe is a classic dish that has tender meat and all the rich flavors of the vegetables in a savory sauce. You can make this popular recipe in bigger batches and even freeze the leftovers to quickly reheat when needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can this be cooked in the crockpot?
You can cook this easy recipe in a crockpot. Check out our recipe for a slow cooker version here.
Can I make beef stew in an Instant Pot?
This hearty dish could be made in an Instant Pot as well. Check out our Instant Pot beef stew recipe.
Can I freeze leftovers from this recipe?
This recipe freezes well and can be stored for up to three months.
MORE FAVORITES YOU’LL LOVE
Best Beef Stew Recipe
Hearty, delicious, and easy to make, this old-fashioned beef stew is a family favorite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 7
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chuck roast, or your favorite stew meat (cut into bite-size pieces about 1 to 2 inches)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped (one small onion or half of a large onion)
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into bite size pieces (1 inch)
- 2 celery stalks, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
- 3 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Coat the beef pieces in the flour.
- In a large stockpot, add the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat pieces and brown on all sides. The meat will continue cooking in the stew. Once the meat is brown, remove it to a plate and set it aside. Cook in batches to not crowd the pan.
- If you need to add additional butter or olive oil, you can add more to sauté the vegetables. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery into the pot and cook until the vegetables start to caramelize or get slightly soft.
- Add in the beef broth, tomato paste, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and rosemary.
- Add the beef pieces back into the pot.
- Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 60 to 90 minutes or until the beef is tender.
- Mix the cornstarch and water together and slowly stir into the beef stew to thicken the sauce. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid off stirring occasionally as it thickens.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Add the peas to the stew the last 5 to 10 minutes while it is thickening and before serving so they don’t get mushy.
Video
Notes
- Cook the beef in batches so it is not too crowded in the pan.
- A good beef stew needs time to simmer and allow all of the flavors to blend together. Make sure you give it time to simmer for at least an hour and preferably longer.
- If the stew is still too watery add more cornstarch, a little at a time to thicken.
Nutrition
Calories: 521kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 869mg | Potassium: 972mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4927IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 5mg
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Comments
Layne Kangas says
We love this recipe – hearty, satisfying, simple, and delicious — a definite winner!
Carolyn M. Shular says
They are really good recipe on this page
Jill says
Can this stew be frozen after it’s completely made?
Layne Kangas says
Yes! Enjoy!
Gail says
Yes, but take out the potatoes before freezing.
Julie says
DELICIOUS!! The meat took like 2 hours longer for me but it was work the the wait. Absolutely delicious. The peas gave it a good texture.
Cheryl Dennis says
Could this be transferred to a crockpot?
Layne Kangas says
Yes, you could!
Carol says
I’m going to make this tomorrow. Thanks for sharing. I will let you know how it came out.
Maria says
Excellent & easy recipe. Family loves it! Served with some fresh French bread & soaked up all the yummy sauce. ✌️ Will definitely have it again. Thanks!
Gloria says
Definitely one of our favorite dinners! The house smells amazing while it simmers, too.
Deena says
I doubled the recipe since we are a family of ten. I will definitely add more vegetables next time and not cut them so small. We LOVE vegetables(except peas). I didn’t have cornstarch, however, mine thickened up very well on its own. I didn’t have to cook for the entire hour. I checked on it every 15 minutes and it was ready to eat in about 45 minutes. This beef stew is PERFECT and EXCELLENT and overflowing with flavor. Thank you for sharing this recipe with the world!! I will be sure to make the famous peasant bread(found on Pinterest) next time I make this INCREDIBLE BEEF STEW!! There were no leftovers so I’ll be making it again real soon!
Melayna says
I let this cook on low in my crockpot for 7-8 hours. Added the peas the last 20 mins or so. It was absolutely delicious! The beef got super tender- I would definitely recommend letting it cook for a few hours. Keeping this recipe for cold days! Thanks!
Shelly says
Delicious, creamy and hearty. I added a side of rice and it feed my whole family of 5. I even had left overs. It’s a winner.
Tracy McKissack says
Really good stew! Even my picky daughter was a fan!
LisaM says
Very good stew. Added about 1/2 cup red wine after sautéing vegetables and let it cook down a few minutes. Otherwise I followed the recipe. Everyone enjoyed it.
Marlee says
Probably the best beef stew I’ve made.
Halved the baby potatoes, and reduced the overall cook time by 10 minutes. Could have reduced another 5+ minutes as the carrots were much more tender then I prefer. Will add an additional TBSP of corn starch as I like my stew thick.
Marlee says
Oh-I also used the crappy chain-store stew meat, which is usually super tough even after simmering for hours. This time, it fell apart with my fork!!
Barbara A Smith-Midwinter says
I made the beef stew recipe today. It was superb!!! I made it exactly like the recipe instructions except I didn’t have cornstarch so I used 2 tbsp. of flour instead. I will defin
Barbara A Smith-Midwinter says
I made the beef stew recipe today. It was superb!!! I made it exactly like the recipe instructions except I didn’t have cornstarch so I used 2 tbsp. of flour instead. I will definitely use this recipe everytime I made beef stew.
L Jensen says
This beef stew was SO GOOD! I never comment on these recipes, but I just had to on this one. Thank you for this fabulous recipe!
Sann says
This is amazing and super easy to make. Hit with the whole family, will be in our meal rotation.
Gloria says
So hearty and delicious!!
Heather says
Can this be made in the crockpot? If so how do I switch up the recipe?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Heather – here’s our crockpot beef stew, enjoy!
Sharon says
Is the 3 cups of broth enough for a decent sized amount of stew?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Sharon – it will turn out as shown with three cups of broth, enough for 6-8 servings. We hope you enjoy!
Mary Kummer says
Awesome Stew. Best ever. My husband loved it. Did add soy sauce for a little more salt. Delicious!!!!
Kathy3882 says
This recipe (doubled) turned out excellent!!! I had no peas to add. Next time I will, despite hubby’s objections. He can always put them aside for the dogs. They’ll eat their veggies without complaining, unlike their father. This reminds me of the beef stew my mom used to make. We’d have cole slaw and cornbread with it.
Mark says
This is excellent. Thank you.
Lisa mailloux says
Reminds me of stews my parents made way back in the early 70s. Thanks so much!
Susan Seals says
Very good! I had a left over pot roast with cabbage, onion, potatoes, carrots and chuck roast. Browned stew meat, about a pound. All of the left over pot roast, cut into smaller bites. Added some more beef stock, Worcestershire, fresh rosemary, some dried thyme, 6 oz of tomato paste, red pepper flakes, just to give a bit of bite. So very good. Definitely deserves 5 stars or more.
Shelly Tagli says
My husband and I love this stew. Cheers!
Susan Yaeger says
Delicious! I’m happy I found this. I did add more potatoes, but that is more of a preference than a necessity.
Marie says
My whole family loved this beef stew. Taste’s like my mom’s recipe that I could never figure out how to make. T
Nicole says
This was so so yummy! The meat was fall apart tender and flavor was awesome. This will definitely be a new staple recipe for us!
Dj says
This is a fantastic recipe and always turns out perfect!
Tony says
I just made this today and it turned out amazing! I added mushrooms and a bit of thyme to it as well. I definitely recommend this one!
Amber says
I halved it as we are a small family of 3, except I accidentally used the full amount of flour and it was still super yummy, just extra thick. Delicious and easy.
Gia says
It’s easy and tastes amazing! I altered it here and there…add more of this less of that. The flavors are so good. Try it!
Kiki says
Excellent!
I made a few changes but nothing drastic. With any stew, it does soak up liquid so I had to add more soup.
Love the taste!
Stephanie says
Excellent tasting beef stew, only added a shake of pepper and salt. A beautiful presentation ~
Diane M says
So yummy! Even my granddaughter liked it. Didn’t have an onion so I used onion powder as I browned the meat. Also added an extra cup of beef broth (because I wasn’t sure about the amount of potatoes I used 😂) and it came out perfect. Will definitely make this again!
Ann Carrier says
This was the Best stew I ever made. I did add green beans for extra veggies. Thanks so much for sharing
Jenn says
This was the most delicious, beautiful and (finally) family approved dish we’ve made so far this year! Thanks for sharing!
Jill says
Off the charts delicious!! Gonna make this next time I have company over!!
Isela says
Super easy and delish.
Shari Robbins says
This is very good beef stew. In addition to the veges you had I also like to add okra. I do not like it spicy but I do like to add garlic.
Paula says
That beef stew was the best stew I ever made! Very easy and very tasty! My husband told me to make sure to keep that recipe! He even bragged to the family! Thanks for the great recipe!!
Sue says
We absolutely loved this recipe! We will make it again! Thank you!
Sassy Fralin says
Very easy and flavorful!
Christine says
So good. Also added a cup of Guinness in place of a cup of broth
Gina says
This is the best recipe for Beef Stew!! I will be making it again!
Thank You
Debi says
I would add turnip and parsnips and red wine to recipe.
Carly says
Made this recipes more times than I can count! Great thing about this recipe is that you can add and remove veggies. At minimum I need the obvious, potatoes and celery, carrots and garlic. Definitely add some red wine if you’ve got it handy if not it still tastes great !
Mariana says
Any veggies that my family will eat. I’ve put turnips and other veggies in it as I was given some from a neighbor and was perfect with the stew. I almost always add wine to my stew as it brings out the flavors. It’s rare that I don’t and usually because when I throw it together, I might not have it on hand or just ran out. To make my stew a little spicy for those who want it, I add a little cayenne pepper to it. My mother taught me that spices are the key when making dishes, it brings out the flavors but always taste as you go and garlic is a staple to just about everything I cook.
Helen Richburg says
I love to put potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper in my beef stew recipes.
Mary McEntire says
I don’t use wine in my beef stew.
Sue says
No spicy beef stew, but we add carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, potatoes and fresh garlic, along with a touch of red wine, steak seasoning, pepper and some Paprika. I coat the beef cubes with seasoned flour and it helps thicken the broth, along with a carton of beef broth.
Kim Cornell says
We like to add some cubed butternut squash to stews for an added veggie.
candy wilson says
corn
Jennifer Arsenault says
Love to put wine, lots of garlic, a little bit a spice to give it a bite but not too much. All veggies work in well almost all.
Fresh bread or fresh buns are a must!!
Elizabeth M Heimlich says
Great recipe! I always add garlic to my beef stew- I think it’s necessary!
Theresa Dreyer says
Again you hit the nail on the head!!! When I was a kid my mom would put in a TBSP. of Tomato paste!!! Now that I am older I use a little Sun dried tomatoes!
Quick story.. We would usually have this at least once a month on Sundays. My mom would start prepping the stew before we left for church. She would put it on low temp until we got home! She also baked her stew! we could smell it all day! Dinner was at 5 o’clock sharp! Not a minute sooner! I think times have changed for the good But… Beautiful memories abound!!!
Lorring says
I love adding carrots and peas to my stew just because they are my favorite vegetables.
I would make beef stew spicy because I like spicy food and I think it would taste amazing.
Dawn McCabe says
Love beef stew!! The carrots are favorite, I always double the ount of carrots I use 😋
Donna says
None of your recipes have failed to amaze me! Every one has been awesome and delicious. I am sure this beef stew will be terrific as well! I usually use all the same veggies but the peas. Great comfort food!
Diana says
My favorite vegetable to add to stew is baby potatoes.
Brenda Hess says
Add mushrooms and garlic
Teresa Gerber says
I make beef stew in a pressure cooker, just don’t like cooked carrots, so I use green beans, and yes, garlic!!
Dee says
I like garlic in my beef stew. This recipe is delicious.
Jamie Allen says
Ive been using red wine in my roasts and stews for years!! Fabulous recipe!
Shaunda Snider says
Yes I would add garlic to my beef stew!
The recipe looks yummy!
Lily Z says
Family Favorite! I made it with beef broth, usually don’t cook with wine if it’s for the family. Turned out amazing still. Served it written fresh crusty bread. Kids loved how tender the beef turned out after it cooked for about 2 hours.
Rose says
I would always have carrots in it but also any other root veg I had.
I’d also add dumplings!
Jane Ross says
Loved it, I used potatoes, onions, carrots and turnip for vegetables, also added red wine, great recipe 😋
Stacia says
I like to add roasted garlic to my stew. Yum!!
Guy says
Looks Good But I Would Make Mine Spicy… Add Some Cayenne And Jalapeños…
Linda says
This looks delicious. No wine for us though.
Doris Jackson says
This beef stew is the greatest, just like my grandmother made. When I was in high school I had a job working for a lady and this is how she taught me how to make beef stew 😍😍😍😍
Felicia says
While delicious on it’s own, red wine and garlic make this stew absolutely DEVINE!!
Bettye Franklin says
I make pretty much the way you do except the wine and the thickening. I’ve never thought about doing both. I don’t make spicy as it makes so much, I share. Each one can add their own heat. I do add garlic but no mushrooms. I think I’ll try it though. I really enjoy your recipes and have gotten a couple of print out cook books. Use both often. Thank you, Bettye
Erin says
So good! Love using peas, carrots, and potatoes!
Y says
This is the best recipe. Thank you
Amanda says
I love adding garlic to my beef stew. I feel like it really adds to the flavor.
Leanne Johnston says
Try adding parsnips! Or rutabaga! Both are fall root vegetables that add a nice touch to stew! Parsnips have a peppery flavour and rutabaga is slightly sweet and earthy. Plus the more veg the better!!
Lily Z says
Usually don’t use wine when cooking for the family. Used beef stock and it turned out great. Served it with homemade crusty bread. Was the perfect meal on a cold fall evening. Will be making it again.
Heather Meade says
Love adding red potatoes, carrots, onions and maybe even some corn!
Dawna Lee says
Making stew as we speak! Making egg noodles to go w it! So far so good! House smells great!😋
Roberta Rystrom says
I also like to add tomatoes to my beef stew. Everything else is a given.
Roycee Almanza says
I love a good beef stew. I will put parsnips and sweet potatoes in with the classic veggies. I have used red wine before and it’s amazing but we don’t drink so we never think to pick some up.
Maureen says
My husband loves beef stew, much like your recipe ! I do add wine to my stew. I sometimes throw in some peas. I always simmer it for a couple hours.
Big seller.
Ralph M Napady says
I’ve been honoured by a number of master chefs who have shared their tricks, touches, manic, call IT what you will, you folks are sharing many of their‘secret” technics for anyone who loves cooking. I hope sharing this knowledge will inspire you to explore & expand your cooking pleasures!
Linda says
Don’t know where to answer the question so: this is what I add to my beef stew:
All you have listed in your recipe plus a rutabaga, parsnip and turnip.
Gabriela B. says
I would add some chile for heat.
Tracey says
I like to add sweet potatoes to my beef stew, the flavors blend well with all of the other veg.
Delicious 😋
Chuck says
I will be making stew tomorrow but it will be a venison stew (last of last year’s deer.) I will be adding carrots, yukon gold potatoes, onions, white button mushrooms. I will also be using beef broth, red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon). Additional seasonings will probably be chipotle powder. smoked paprika and whatever else strikes my fancy as I am putting it together.
Kristina says
I would actually make my beef stew a little spicy and I think adding a little bit of wine would be good. Love beef stew with cornbread.
Eilish says
My favorite vegetables in a beef stew are a toss up between carrots and potatoes
Ann DeMell says
I like to add carrots and potatoes to my bed stew. Never really thought about adding please or celery, but I’ll give it a try!
Saeda says
I. Like garlic in beef stew
BARBARA CUMMINGS says
Looks simply delicious and easy to make. YUMMY
Denise says
This was amazing. A rich hearty beautiful beef stew.
I did add about 1/3 cup of crumpled bacon. And a tablespoon of Dijon mustard. The rest was straight from this recipe.
🤗
Donna Donaldson says
I made this for supper today and my family loved it! Great recipe!
Dawn says
Can I add mushrooms to the stew and then to add them . Thanks
Charlie, Fontaine says
Closest to my mom’s recipe so far!
Regina says
This was fabulous! I didn’t change one thing in the recipe and it really is a good stew!
Joy says
OH MY GOSH PEOPLE! THIS WAS AMAZING! Even my picky eaters loved thus. It is so flavorful and smells divine. I made homemade bread to sop up the good stuff and am in HEAVEN! It can’t get better than this. This will be your go to stew recipe.
Peggy Biggs says
This Beef Stew is delicious! Served with Homemade Italian Bread! Perfect for a chilly evening!
P says
First off- THANK YOU for this recipe! I’ve now made this two times for my family of 4. First time, which I just cooked about 6 days ago, we didn’t even have leftovers- it was THAT good! Second time, which I cooked again last night, I doubled it and now we have yummy delicious leftovers to have for lunch! I will say though, when I doubled it, I had to add more beef stock. Luckily I bought two large bottles of Swanson beef stock (6cups in each bottle) and pretty much used up 1.5 bottles so in total 9 cups. I served this with frozen Pillsbury southern style biscuits. Literally hands down the best stew recipe ever. This will now be on our weekly rotation for dinner. It’s THAT good!!!! Thank you!!!!
Donna H says
This was the best I have ever tasted. I did add a little red wine, but it would have been just as great without it.
Joan says
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Joan – here is our crockpot beef stew recipe, enjoy!
Kim says
I took this to a potluck today and it received rave reviews. People even loaded up on the leftovers to take home.
Xenia Vodegel says
love the recipe thank you it turn out so good