May 11, 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!