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A bowl of Hearty Beef Stew in a white soup bowl sitting on a cream colored napkin.
Jana Rae

Hearty Beef Stew

Classic hearty beef stew with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in a rich broth. A cozy farmhouse dinner perfect for cold nights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 carrots sliced into chunks
  • 3 potatoes diced
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine or extra broth
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas optional, added at the end

Method
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 Tbsp oil. Brown beef cubes in batches until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add remaining oil. Cook onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in flour and tomato paste. Cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Pour in wine (or broth), scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Add beef broth, Worcestershire, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return beef to pot.
  5. Stir in potatoes. Cover and simmer on low for 1 ½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Remove bay leaves. Stir in peas before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve with warm bread or biscuits.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Beef: Beef chuck is best — it’s affordable and gets tender after long, slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts, which can turn tough.
  • Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the beef before simmering adds deep, rich flavor to the stew.
  • Low & Slow: Simmer gently — rushing the process will make the beef chewy instead of fork-tender.
  • Wine Boosts Flavor: Red wine adds depth, but if you skip it, add an extra splash of Worcestershire or balsamic vinegar.
  • Vegetable Options: Feel free to add mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips to bulk it up.
  • Make Ahead Magic: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
  • Freezer Friendly: Freeze in meal-sized portions for quick dinners.