Homemade Beef Stew Recipe (Hearty & Easy Comfort Food)
Make homemade beef stew with tender beef, vegetables, and rich broth. Easy comfort food recipe perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep!
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup red wine for depth
Instructions
- Brown beef: Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Brown beef cubes on all sides, then set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add broth & flavorings: Stir in tomato paste, broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Return beef to pot.
- Simmer: Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
- Add vegetables: Stir in carrots and potatoes. Simmer for another 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Chuck roast is ideal for tenderness after slow cooking.
- Add peas or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes into the broth or add a cornstarch slurry.
- Stew tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Freezes well—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.